Mesta

One of the most beautiful traditional settlements of Chios, Mesta, lies 35 kilometers southwest of Chios town. It is a medieval village designated as a protected monument. Its intricate architecture stems from the Byzantine period, and the village itself is built like a castle. The houses, small and stone‑built, stand side by side to form a strong defensive wall around the outer perimeter of the settlement. A stroll through the village’s narrow lanes, beneath the arches formed by the balconies, offers a unique experience. The carved wooden iconostasis of the church of Mikros Taxiarchis is considered an exquisite example of Chian woodcarving. Mesta is also linked to the custom of the “Aga,” which is revived every Clean Monday there and in other Mastichochoria. It is a peculiar court from which no one escapes without paying a fine, and it is usually enriched with various performances and traditional music.