Unveil the amazing world of Mastic Villages in Chios (Mastihohória)
a fortified village complex of superb beauty. Villages’
existence is inextricably bound with the valuable crystal “tear” shed by mastic
trees that grow only in the southern part of the island. The Genovese built this complex in
order to offer shelter to the families who lived there and cultivated Mastiha. At some point during their occupation,
they also erected strong fortresses to protect this blessed land. The massacre
of the inhabitants by the Turks destroyed the economic fabric of this closed
society.
The villages’ turbulent history is miraculously
reflected on the architecture of the buildings: for defensive purposes the
villages were built out of sea sight surrounded by high walls with a central
tower – the last resort in case the walls were breached by Arab pirates. The
tower had no door but invaders could enter using ladders as bridges thrown from
the rooftops. The streets were narrow and dark with blind alleys, which not
only confused the invaders but also formed the perfect hideout for the villagers
to carefully plan their attacks.
Today only 24 Mastic villages have withstood
the test of time, since many of them were destroyed by the catastrophic
earthquake that took place in 1881. Some fortress towns are still intact, such
as Mestá, Pirgí, Olýmpi, Kalamotí, Véssa, Patriká, Vounó, Eláta and Kiní
forming impressive medieval settlements. Recent restoration works on old stone
mansions contributed significantly to the embellishment of the landscape
recreating beautifully the once prevailing medieval atmosphere.
Mesta is the best preserved fortified village of
the complex. Take a walking tour to help you admire the three impressive castle
towers, the ancient churches and the magnificent stone houses which are built
side-by-side tightly joined together with arches. In Pyrgí you will
encounter an outstanding black and white geometrical decoration on the houses’
outer walls only to be found here, the so-called "ksistá".
31 km south of the town of Chios you will encounter
the medieval village of Olýmpi .
Wander around Kalamotí’s maze-like alleys past two-storey stone houses
which proudly stand intact throughout the years. Kallimassiá was almost
destroyed by the 1881 earthquake, but you can still discover ruins of medieval
towers and rural churches. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the central square and
experience the friendliness of the locals, who are only too eager to teach you
how mastic is produced according to an ancient practice faithfully followed for
the past 2,500 years.
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