The Greek island of Chios is home to one of the most uniquely beautiful villages in the Mediterranean, the village of Pyrgi.
The charming village of Pyrgi is located in the southern part of Chios around 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the island’s capital.
Pyrgi is a village also known as the “painted village” due to its unique architectural elements that make it an irresistible destination for all.
The village is truly a unique treasure among Greece’s many gorgeous communities, as it is defined by its rich history and that distinct architectural style that attracts people from all over the world.
The roots of Pyrgi on the Greek island of Chios
The roots of the community of Pyrgi date back to medieval times. There is evidence indicating it was established prior to the 10th century.
The layout of the village reminds us of the historical necessity the Greek island of Chios had for defense against the huge number of pirate invasions. Densely packed stone homes forming a protective perimeter around the village were constructed so as to keep invaders out.
At the heart of the village of Pyrgi is an 18-meter-high tower encircled by beautiful walls with four corner towers. These represent the fortress-like heritage of the medieval village.
The intricate patterns or “xysta”
What truly distinguishes Pyrgi from the rest of the Aegean villages is the captivating exterior decorations on the facades of its buildings known as “xysta,” which is Greek for “scratched.”
These uniquely beautiful and elaborate black-and-white geometric patterns on the buildings create a truly mesmerizing visual spectacle unlike any other in Greece.
The xysta technique includes creating images into plaster and then using a black wash to create magnificent motifs that would go onto the facades. These motifs range from simple shapes to intricate floral and mythical landscapes.
Pyrgi can be described as a unique destination that is much more than merely a visual marvel. It is an important element of the cultural and historical identity of the village of Pyrgi and of the island of Chios overall.
The village was the historic center of the Mastic Villages, playing a critical role in the manufacturing of mastic, a Chios-specific resin with global fame.
Because of their significant cultural value, the Mastic Villages of the Greek island of Chios have been added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Walking through the small, arched streets of Pyrgi, visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time. The settlement has successfully maintained its medieval Mediterranean character, which remained mostly unaffected by the 1881 earthquake that struck much of Chios, destroying most of its settlements. Visitors can see three historic churches, some of which date back to the 1400s, only years before the Ottoman conquest.
Despite deep historical roots, Pyrgi remains a thriving village with approximately a thousand permanent residents and thousands of visitors every year.
Many of its inhabitants work in mastic production and the wider field of agriculture in general, including in orchards and olive groves. At the same time, a significant part of the population supports the thriving and ever-growing tourism industry.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of experiences in the village and its surroundings, including local craft shops, traditional local tavernas, and picturesque museums that showcase the maritime past of the Greek island of Chios.
The distinctive “xysta” decorations of this beautiful village along with its medieval architecture and living traditions make it a must-see destination for anybody lucky enough to set foot on the Greek island of Chios.
As you stroll through its picturesque medieval alleyways, you’ll be transported into a world in which the beautiful art, rich history, and simple everyday life blend together perfectly, offering a uniquely Greek experience.
