Pyrgi, Chios, Greece

Travelling to Chios, the fifth largest of the Greek islands, situated in the Aegean sea, will definitely be an unforgettable experience. Chios is just a few kilometers away from Minor Asia and it's famous for the mastic trees (which are unique in the world), the shipping quality and its beautiful villages.

Mastic trees

Mastic

Pyrgi is the biggest and one of the most famous villages of Chios. Situated on the south of the island, Pyrgi was named after the big and tall tower, around which was built the present village and many small and large settlements. Today, Pyrgi has approximately 1,044 residents and relies on the production of mastic, oil, almonds and cereals.

Pyrgi, Chios

Street in Pyrgi

However, what makes Pyrgi such an interesting place to visit is the decoration style of the houses. The houses in the center of the village have several external linear incised patterns which are unique in Greece. The designs consist of squares, diamonds, triangles, many of them have bouquets in a vase, storks, tree branches and leaves. Even the church, the bank, the ATM machine, the post office and other buildings, housing public services, are decorated in the same way.

External patterns