Author(s)

Α. Vagelakos & Μ. Karaveziroglou

Abstract

This paper refers to historical towers and fortified houses in central Greece, where there are many traditional villages. These historical buildings are presented with reference to their architectural style and their structural system. The pathology and analysis of the structures are also described in the paper. A brief, though detailed, description of the technical and geometrical characteristics of the buildings is given, together with a description of their present state, previous repair and alteration work undergone, historical data and photographic documentation. Three-dimensional simulation models are developed using finite element analysis, taking into account the materials used, the geometric data and the structural systems of the buildings. The results of the finite element analysis are then examined and conclusions drawn with regard to the masonry strength of the buildings. Keywords: fortified houses, tower, central Greece. 1 Introduction Quite a number of traditional Greek villages lie within the region of central Greece. The original nucleus of these villages would most likely have been a monastery, some isolated dwelling houses or settlements which had moved from the coast to the mountains seeking, in the main, a safe place to live. The locations of these villages were secure and almost inaccessible from the outside world, shielded from strong winds and far from pathways frequented by pirates and robbers. The land, however, would be fertile, with an abundant supply of water and rich in forest and pasture land in order to provide food for the settlers. In the wake of the first huts and simple dwelling houses came better finished and more substantial stone buildings which provided for the development of domestic skills and cottage industry (Leonidopoulou and Diamantopoulou [1]).

Keywords

fortified houses, tower, central Greece.