Dovecotes in Tinos, Greece
Tinos Sights & Monuments - Tinos, Greece is home to some of the most intricately designed dovecotes in the world. These fortress-like stone structures feature two levels, with the lower level serving as storage for utensils and other items. The dovecotes are adorned with elaborate geometric patterns like triangles and rhomboids, as well as non-geometric motifs such as cypress trees and variations of the sun. The intricate designs are said to attract pigeons to the area. Most of these stunning structures can be found in the eastern and central parts of Tinos, with the oldest ones dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Venetians were the first to begin systematic breeding of pigeons on the island, discovering that the birds' meat was delicious and their droppings made for high-quality manure.