In Pigadia Karpathos, in a prominent position, the complex of three buildings of Karpathos Province is located. These are typical buildings of the era of Italian domination that were built during the period 1926-36. They have a flat roof and are made with the mixed construction of the Italians (masonry with horizontal and vertical elements of light reinforced concrete). These buildings were the seat of the Italian government and similar buildings had been built by the Italians on every island in the Dodecanese to make their presence felt. Today they belong to the Greek State.
The buildings of the complex belong to the category of “International Style” and also have some elements of Oriental Eclecticism. The complex is a composition of three buildings, placed in the shape of the Π (Greek P), thus forming and defining Alexander Papagou square. The central building is taller (up to 4 floors), thus dominating with its volume and morphology. The other two buildings, with their volume (up to 2 floors) and their morphology (pergolas on the floor etc.), surround the central building without competing against it. All three buildings are connected to each other by semi-open spaces and arches, thus forming a whole that embraces the square. The complex is a set with very “strong” ground plan and morphology with full and gaps for light, air and view. Observing the complex from the square, we can see the symmetry and the emphasis of its central axis, which is the highest point of the building, with the watch and the flag’s web.
The complex was listed as a historic site in 1997, since it is a remarkable building of the era of the Italian occupation in the Dodecanese and is important for the study of architecture. In the west wing the archaeological museum of the island is housed.
