Lakki, on the
island of Leros in the Dodecanese, boasts the largest natural harbor in the
eastern Mediterranean. This town's unique charm stems from its Art Deco and minimalist
architecture, a legacy of Italian rule during the interwar period. Originally
known as Portolago, Lakki defied traditional architectural norms, blending Art Deco,
Bauhaus, Venetian, and Renaissance elements into its buildings.
Lakki is home
to an impressive collection of Art Deco structures, rivaled only by Miami. These
buildings are characterized by white walls, arcs, and built-in windows. The
town's coherence and simplicity create a harmonious blend of styles known as Rationalism or Universalism in
architecture.