There is usually a marble or stone lintel above the door by which we
enter the ground floor (made up of the ground floor and semi-basement) which was used as a storage room for first-aid products for the people of the house. From the ground floor, wooden stairs lead to the tampanas (or "middle floor") a place used by the family as a winder residence where there is also kitchen. In contrast to the first two floors, the third floor is build with light wooden construction, which sticks out from the others and has many window and skylights. This floor is used in summer and for guests. From the middle of the 19th century, the first neoclassical elements in the decoration, of both the interior and exterior, of the mansions of Pelion started to appear.

Those locals who had become rich as a result of trading called in guilds of craftsmen during the 18th century, to build bridges as well as monasteries and churches, all of which have roofs made of local slate. The majority of these craftsmen came from the village of Zoupani (know today as Pentalofos) and , because of this became know as Zoupaniotes or Zipaniotes. One of them, the folk-architect Dimos Zipaniotis, left his mark in hundreds of churches of Pelion.

Working with him was his friend, the folk-sculptor Milios. The local craftsmen learned from this builders and went on build the majority of cobble lanes of Pelion. For your stay in Pelion, we have selected 10 unique 18th century local mansions in the traditional villages of Makrinitsa, Portaria, Katichori, Vizitsa, Milies and Zagora. Build of wood and stone in the local architecture style, these mansions have converted into inns with modern comforts, yet are typically reminiscent of times past offering the unique chance to experience the traditional way of living.

All the above villages are well-know for their typical architectural style, welcoming atmosphere friendly locals and their home made local specialties, such as marmalade made from the range of fruits and vegetables,
hot aromatic beverages made from brewing fresh local herbs, local yoghurt and cheese, fresh stone-oven baked bread, egg omelettes with herbs. Most villages are situated close to one another, making it easy for visitors to reach them both on foot or by car. The area is great natural beauty covered by dense forests, with trails and fresh water streams, easy to explore and enjoy on foot or on horseback. A number of Byzantine churches and monasteries, archaeological and prehistoric sites are scattered all over the mountain, whilst the villages are postcard picture perfect, each with their local coffee shop 'KAFENIO' and taverns around the village square.