Behind the simple traditional architecture that characterizes the constructions of the Aeolian Islands, there is an array of elements and techniques worth to be told, starting from the ancient history. For their position and composition, the Aeolian Islands have been, for many years, the target of attacks from the sea. For this reason, the Aeolian architecture sprouts from the necessity to resist and drive back external threats. In addition to this historic aspect, we should keep in mind one more point: the idea of life according to the Aeolian culture: functional, simple and essential. The typical Aeolian dwelling develops vertically and usually has one room only, with the possibility of adding more rooms, according to the family needs.
A common element of the Aeolian Architecture is the horizontal roof which is often made of “battuto solare”, a mix of limestone and volcanic lapillus. This type of roof has an important function: it isolates the house from the cold in the winter and from the heat in the summer.
Another characteristic of the typical Aeolian house is a large terrace on the front of the house completed by small stone walls that mark the terrace and are sometimes decorated with majolica tiles; a trellis of wooden beams covered with cane or vine, works as roof of the terrace, “pulèra” are the columns that support the “loggia”. Each Aeolian house features the oven with its traditional cupola shape used to cook bread and cakes. The building materials used in the Aeolian Architecture are local: lava stone to get solidity, pumice stone for the external walls, tuff stone for the terrace floor.
Today we could find example of typical Aeolian architecture mainly in Panarea and in the Stromboli islands.