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Chios
is a meeting point of many cultures. During the centuries its people
have suffered a lot by its conquerors, while the climax was the
Slaughter of Chios in 1822 by the Ottoman Turks, the loss of 25,000
residents and the taking of other 47,000 as slaves.
The
island is at the North-Eastern Aegean, very near to Minor Asia coasts.
It used to be full of flora but today its main part is almost naked
due to the many fires that burned it. However, that fact does not
deprive its special beauty and its unique colours.
The
capital of the island, called Chios as well, is found at its central-eastern
part. It is a modern city with a lot of points worthy to be visited.
At thew central square you will see the marvelous Garden and Fortress
of Chios, manufactures during the tenth century by the Byzantines
and later repaired by Genovese. You will admire the architecture
of its buildings and you may visit the Folklore Museum, the Korais
Library, the Archaeological, the Byzantine and the Naval Museum.
Almost
united with the capital is Vrontados village, with the stone of
Homer and more far is the fishers' village Langadas and the beautiful
Kardamila. At the Southwest you will meet Ayios Isidoros Monastery,
built on the ninth century. Next is Volissos where Homer is said
to have been born. Very near is the Monastery of Ayia Markella with
its beach.
Returning
to the city of Chios you will meet the picturesque village of Karies.
Above Karies is located Nea Moni, a women Monastery of the eleventh
century. Southerly are found Mastihohoria (Mastich Villages), this
unique region where flourish the trees that give the famous Mastich
of Chios. At Piryi admire the unusual decoration of the buildings,
visit at south the Temple of Apollo and at east Emporio with the
ruins of the early Coper Era.
Armolia
and Olympoi are two other medieval Mastihohoria, while the most
picturesque of all is the traditional settlement of Mesta. It's
a settlement-fortress which was built in the 14th and 15th centuries,
far from the sea, due to the fear of Turks and Pirates. Stone-built
houses and stone-paths compose a village of beautiful medieval architecture
which in our day has almost 500 residents.
Imposing
Medieval Castle of Chios. In its southwestern side is found its
greatest gate Porta Mangiore. From there begins a deep ditch that
reaches up to its northern-western walls.
The
exposing building Ioustiniani, where is exposed a collection of
Ecclesiastical pieces of Art from destroyed churches of the island.
The
beautiful villages of Mastich "Mastihohoria" with the
murals at Piryi and the labyrinthine settlement of Mesta.
The
Byzantine Museum and the Museum Philippos Aryentis at Chios.
Nea
Moni, 11 km westwards of Chios, in a wooden valley, is one of the
most important monuments of the Northern Aegean. It was founded
in 1042 by Constantine 3rd, emperor of Byzantium and it is built
at the point where was found a miraculous picture of Virgin Mary.
Shortly
more about Chios.
To
Chios: The trip with a ferry boat lasts roughly eight hours while
with a speed boat the time is decreased to five hours. There is
also coastal connection with Lesvos, Limnos, Kavala, Alexandroupoli,
Volos, Ai-Stratis, Psara, Syros, Thessaloniki and the Turkish Coasts.
Air trip to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport of Athens lasts almost
40 minutes, while there are also air itineraries to Lesvos.
At
Chios: There are a lot of bus itineraries to the most villages and
also many taxis. If you decide to rent a car be careful of the lack
of signs at the most crossroads.
Shortly
more about Chios.
Shortly
more information on Chios, Psara and Oinousses.
 
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