The Lesvian architecture is characterized by a lack of homogeneity because of physical disasters that took place during the 18th century ( earthquakes, fires ). The existing buildings were built during the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th. 

    The main constructive materials are stone and wood. Architectonic peculiarity in the construction is the so called construction of "sachnisini", a light wooden construction that extends from the second floor of the house, aiming at the saving of space and through big windows to at the plentiful sun-light. We can distinguish the following architectural types :

    - Cottages : These are the farmers' houses at the Lesvian countryside and villages. They are simple, made of stone, with tiled roof and parallelepipeds.

    - Urban houses : They are two or three storeyed, made of stone and wood, with tiled roof and usually a small garden surround them. They have the typical "sachnisini" which during the last century came extinct.

    - Towers or castles : They are fortified countryside houses of the rich Lesvians, used either during summer holidays or in winter when the landowner was supervising the olive harvest. They are multi storeyed buildings made of stone and wood with the typical "sachnisini" and a protruding last floor. Most of them were built during the end of the 19th century and the visitor can admire them at various sites of the island. 

    - Mansions : They belong to the rich families, built at the end of the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th. Most of them can be found at Mytilene's suburbs ( Sourada and Varia ) and Mythimna. The mansions are marked by oriental and luxurious influences of classicism and baroque. The main building is made of stone and is decorated by colorful or white marbles. They are multi storeyed and the internal is also decorated with artistic frescoes and fretwork ceilings, while the garden is also decorated with pebbly pavements, ironwork and statues. 

    - It's worth-noticing - from an architectural point of view - the industrial buildings of Lesvos ( olive press, soap factories, storage ). They are one storeyed, parallelogram, made of stone and the majority of them are restored and used as cultural centers or housing folk art collections. 

    The Lesvian architecture includes fine-worked public fountains in crossroads, squares and  churches. They are made of stone or marble and many of them are carved or have inscriptions. Another interesting reference point are the paved roads, called by the native as "Kalderimia". All these architectural elements contribute in the formation of Lesvos' cultural identity.