Culture of Chios Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Chios One of the most monumental buildings of the capital of Chios is the Castle of Chios. The castle was constructed in the medieval period with its first construction phase having started in the 10th century by the Byzantines. It was built to defend the island from pirates and hostile neighbours. Every leader tried to reconstruct and expand the building. This structure survived the massacre in 1822 and the devastating earthquake in 1881.
A bottle of olive oil is one of the most remarkable and traditional Greek souvenirs. Greek have been using this product for several thousand years and they masterfully produce this product. … Open
Be sure to visit Agios Iakovos Church, Giustiniani Palace local museums with very interesting exhibitions. Chios Archaeological Museum has a rich collection of historical finds, some of them date back to prehistorical times. Byzantine museum holds a collection of restored household items. There is also a collection of various works of art in the museum. The Ethnographic Museum of Chios will introduce you to the traditions and customs of the locals. Moreover, don’t pass by the Argenti Folklore Museum and Chios Maritime Museum.
Don’t miss a chance to visit Nea Moni monastery, which was built in the 11th century is situated in the suburbs. The monastery was built with funds given by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. The building is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Agios Minas and Panagia Sikelia are famous Chios monasteries, which are situated not far from Nea Moni. Volissos is a town that has not lost its medieval charm and almost hasn’t been reconstructed. However, its ancient history is much more interesting. Scientists believe that legendary Homer lived, worked and mentored young poets for many years at that exact place. You can find a very colourful monastery of St. Markella near the city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
The Greek island of Chios is located in the Aegean Sea, near Anatolia. For many years it has been left out in the cold by foreign travelers. However, Greeks preferring solitude and peace … Open
Mesta, Olympi, Vessa, Kalamoti and Pyrgi are medieval fortified villages, raised here in the Middle Ages in order to protect against pirates. However, the villages are interesting not only as monuments of the middle ages. In Pyrgi, for example, the houses are decorated with a unique ornament, in a certain "scraped" way. Locals believe that the technology was brought from Turkey or Byzantium, but nobody knows for sure.
Chios Don’t miss the chance to visit Kambos, picturesque suburbs of the capital. Italian aristocrats settled here in the past, so you can see a great number of luxurious mansions. Anavatos is a deserted village. It is quite impressive as it plunges into a large granite rock at the top of the cliff. There are the ruins of the Byzantine castle Apolichnon near Armolia.
One of the largest Greek Islands, Chios, is known for its mastic thickets, monuments of medieval architecture and magnificent views. Children will definitely love the island. They can swim … Open
It is worth visiting the monastery of St. Markella. She was born on Chios and is considered to be the patroness of the island. There is a spring near the monastery. According to the legends, Markella was martyred at that place. Locals believe that water of the spring has healing properties. You can see the ruins of an ancient Acropolis in Emporios. Those who are interested in architecture should visit Kardamyla, the monastery of Zoodohos Pedhe and the Church of Panagia Krina in Baviloi.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Chios Island and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Chios Island and surroundings

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Iconic cultural sights of Greece

Athens Acropolis is one of the main monuments of the ancient Greek civilization. It is located on a 150-meter high rocky hill. That’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are more than 20 buildings created before our era. The Parthenon, the statue of Athena Parthenos, the theater of Dionysus, the temple of Nicky Ateros, and Hecatompedon are among them. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built long before the onset of our era. According to a legend, it was founded on the site of the sanctuary of Deucalion, the forefather of the Greek people. The temple is located near the Acropolis. This place has the great value for the culture of the country. The Panathinaikos Stadium in Athens was built in the 4th century BC. The stadium constructed of white marble was the main arena for the Panathenaic Games. The stadium accommodated about 50 thousand people. The first Olympic Games of the modern era were held there. … Open

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Chios Island

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