{"id":56270,"date":"2021-12-21T12:20:12","date_gmt":"2021-12-21T10:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/uncategorized\/chios-mesta-the-secrets-of-a-unique-castle-in-greece\/56270\/"},"modified":"2024-11-26T06:04:37","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T04:04:37","slug":"chios-mesta-the-secrets-of-a-unique-castle-in-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/en\/greece\/aegean-islands\/chios-mesta-the-secrets-of-a-unique-castle-in-greece\/56270\/","title":{"rendered":"Chios – Mesta: The secrets of a unique castle in Greece"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is a small, enchanting castle town in Greece<\/strong> whose labyrinthine form transforms winter travel into a medieval, slightly gothic fairy tale adventure<\/strong>. Chios Island and Mesta<\/strong> are waiting for you. Welcome! The medieval castle villages<\/strong> offer a unique and magical winter holiday experience. In Chios, the rich architecture<\/strong> of the city, with its neoclassical buildings and mansions, always makes it an interesting destination. While Mesta may be your ultimate destination, the journey there and your explorations within the city will reveal Byzantine churches<\/strong>, monasteries, and the solemn holiday atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Anavatos: A Castle town in Chios with its legends and the pirates<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Chios – Mesta: The Wonderful Medieval Village<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Mesta<\/picture><\/strong>Mesta is located 35 km southwest of Chios town<\/strong> and is one of the Mastichochoria<\/strong> (villages that produce Mastic). In summary, Mesta is an exceptionally preserved medieval village<\/strong>, recognized as a listed monument, an impressive blend of East and West, combining Genoese and Greek culture, unlike any other in the Aegean.<\/p>\n

\"Mesta<\/picture>Mesta dominates a small valley and was built in Byzantine times, in a pentagonal and closed quadrilateral shape with labyrinthine inner streets. Walking through these narrow alleys, under the arches of the distant balconies, you’ll feel like you’re in an old fairy tale. The entire village is built like a castle<\/strong>. The houses, small and stone-built, are close together, forming a strong protective wall on the perimeter of the settlement.<\/p>\n

\"Chios<\/picture>This is why the houses had no windows facing outside. The Genoese<\/strong> improved the village’s fortifications, which were often raided by pirates. In the outer corners of the village, there are still small circular towers, while the houses are connected by very narrow covered passages, the domes. Many buildings have been restored with respect to tradition, keeping their architectural elements intact.<\/p>\n

\"Mesta<\/picture><\/strong>The most important attraction in the village is the church of Palios Taxiarchis<\/strong>, one of the oldest Christian churches in Greece. Its exact construction date is unknown but estimated around 1412 A.D. Originally a small, vaulted, single-aisled temple, it was expanded into a two-aisled one with a single roof and cross-vaults in the north aisle to meet the worship needs of the entire village.<\/p>\n

\"Chios<\/picture>Inside the church, note the remarkable frescoes uncovered and the wood-carved iconostasis<\/strong>, with many representations from the Old and New Testaments. The iconostasis, a work from 1833, is a fine example of high local woodcarving art. The village also has many small churches, distinguished by their limited height and roof compared to the houses.<\/p>\n

Chios – Mesta: A “secret” for good food<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Chios<\/picture><\/strong>Next to this church is the village square, the “meadow” as locals call it. Here, locals and visitors gather for food, coffee, and sweets. You can taste the local cuisine of Chios<\/strong> and some of the island’s most famous traditional products. These are not only found in the square but throughout the castle, offering a variety of choices from traditional taverns and atmospheric cocktail bars to small cafes with renewed and elegant aesthetics. Our advice? Enjoy a meal at the seaside tavern “Limenas Mesta” at the eponymous spot, known for its classic Chian cuisine and fresh fish (weather permitting). The port of Mesta is the second busiest port on the island.<\/p>\n

\"Chios<\/picture>A small taste experience in the village includes the spooned sweets<\/strong> made and served here. From the well-known submarine to donuts with Chios honey, citrus jams, and syrupy sweets, some flavored with mastic.<\/p>\n

Chios – Mesta: Stops not to be missed<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Chios:<\/picture><\/p>\n