Church of the Archangels (Old)

The church of Palaios Taxiarchis lies within the medieval settlement of Mesta in Chios and is among the oldest Christian churches of southern Chios, probably dating to around 1412. Originally single-aisled with a barrel vault, in 1714 it was expanded to two aisles to meet the village’s needs, with vaulting in the north section. Inside there are notable frescoes and a carved wooden templon from 1833 with scenes from the Old and New Testaments, a characteristic example of Chian woodcarving. The templon stands out for details such as the Instruments of the Passion, the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross, the Resurrection, and Old Testament scenes, while above the central sanctuary door there is a sun motif symbolizing the light of Christian faith. The church suffered severe damage during the 1822 Massacre of Chios and was renovated in 1833. The complex around the church appears to have been a monastery with its own defensive works.