The marble decoration of the houses and the alleys with the low arches that constitute the incredible folk architecture of Kardiani convinced the Ministry of Culture to declare it a traditional settlement. It is built on the slopes of Mount Pateles and offers unimpeded views towards the Aegean Sea and the town of Ermoupolis in Syros. Kardiani’s history is among the oldest in Tinos. Archaeological excavations in the area brought to light tombs and artifacts of the Geometric period, clear evidence that this area was among the first on the island to be inhabited. Kardiani is one of the mixed villages of Tinos where Orthodox and Catholics coexist harmoniously, as is the case throughout the island, and one of the first to have a telephone! Pelagia, the nun who had the vision about the icon of the Virgin Mary was born in Kardiani.