Pyrgi

Pyrgi, the “painted village,” as many call it because of the elaborate decorative motifs on the façades of its houses, is the largest medieval village on Chios and lies 25 kilometers from the town. Despite alterations, Pyrgi remains to this day a living medieval legend. Its urban layout and architectural form arouse great historical interest. Its fortification scheme is representative of how hostile raids were countered. Many historic monuments survive in Pyrgi. The Church of the Holy Apostles, a replica of Nea Moni’s katholikon, is an excellently preserved Byzantine monument. Also preserved in very good condition are the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Church of Taxiarchis, and the Monastery of Saint George. What truly stands out and captivates visitors are the Pyrgousika houses with their “xysta,” a type of façade decoration with black‑and‑white geometric patterns.