Vergoula Mansion, lower view
Kastoria, Greece
The mansion is constructed with heavy masonry walls at its base with courses of reinforcing belts to stabilize the masonry against earthquake activity common within this part of the Balkan peninsula. The belt courses can be seen as wide mortar joints but are more often found as exposed wooden bands on the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall linked together by cross pieces. The upper levels are constructed with braced wooden framing with light stone or tile infill and covered with plastering material. The extended eaves protect from rain and high sun.
(photo 2004)
