Mesta Chios and the medieval Castle of Chios

Mesta Chios and the medieval Castle of Chios

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Mesta village

One of the most beautiful villages of the island and at a 35 – kilometer-distance from the town, Mesta is a medieval village, which has been preserved as a monument. Its elaborate architecture dates back to the Byzanine period. The village is built like a castle.

The houses were built one right next to the other, thereby creating a protective wall surrounding the village.

The openhearted and kind people of Mesta still preserve the traditions of the 14th century village. The village’s most important custom takes place during the carnival festivities where the “Agas” trials, a satirical replica of the trials that used to take place under the Turkish Occupation, are presented. This event also takes place to other villages, such as Olympoi and Lithi.

The village is well known for its unique wine “Mestousiko” that is one of the best wines of Chios and “souma”, a drink that is produced by the distillation of figs and grapes. It is a drink for robust drinkers, but pure and with particular flavor.

(chios.gr)

 The medieval Castle of Chios

The castle is situated adjacent to the main port of Chios and its east side borders with the sea. It consists of an inhabited area surrounded by a large stone wall structure with various fortifications purposed to defend the enclosed population and properties against naval attack and siege.

The castle was constructed in the medieval period with its first construction phase having started in the 10th century by the Byzantines. The structures surviving to this day are part of later construction and expansion dated to the time when the Genoese, who maintained commercial concerns, ruled the island during the 14th to the 16th century.

(wikipedia.org)