Neochori: Stone Buildings and Village Culture

Neochori: Village Centre and Cultural Landmarks

Neochori consists of small stone buildings. The village also features a central square and a central church dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God (Εισόδια της Θεοτόκου). The Monastery of Agios Minas is near Neochori.

On 22 February 2015, a traditional wedding celebration with live music and dancing took place in Neochori. This dated event offers a specific glimpse of a celebration in the village.

More Cultural Highlights of the Chios Destination

Nea Moni on Chios is a significant example of Byzantine art. The monastery is considered an undisputed masterpiece of this art and was built in the 11th century, between 1042 and 1056. Its mosaics are part of one of three surviving collections in Greece from the Middle Byzantine period.

Also on Chios, the Chios Mastic Museum is dedicated to mastic cultivation. Its permanent exhibition presents traditional knowledge about cultivation; the outdoor exhibition brings visitors into contact with the mastic plant and its natural habitat. The museum opened to the public in 2016. Thus, Byzantine art and mosaics on Chios are complemented by another cultural focus: the mastic plant and knowledge about its cultivation.

Mesta and Pyrgi on Chios showcase different architectural features. Mesta is a medieval village preserved as a monument. Its castle-like layout is formed by closely packed houses that create a protective outer wall. Pyrgi is often called the “painted village” because of its detailed façade motifs: the Xysta are black-and-white geometric decorations on house façades. Pyrgi is also home to the well-preserved Church of Agioi Apostoloi, a Byzantine monument dating from the 14th century.

Landscape, Walks and Craftsmanship on Chios

Kampos on Chios is a unique settlement and agricultural complex that combines an outstanding natural landscape with distinctive local architectural features. You can stroll along narrow streets between citrus groves and estates with high stone walls. In the central part of Chios lies Anavatos, a medieval Byzantine tower village. Visitors can walk along its cobbled streets. The well-preserved Church of Taxiarchis and the so-called “Three-Storey Building” add to the picture: the building houses an olive press, a school, a water cistern and the Church of the Theotokos.

Craftsmanship and regional products add to the picture of Chios. Armolia has a long-standing tradition of making ceramic vessels, including jugs, vases, pots, bowls and cups. Suma from Mesta is made by distilling figs and grapes. Alongside architecture and religious heritage, this brings ceramic craftsmanship and a drink made from figs and grapes into the picture.

Choose Your Holiday Apartment and Destination Thoughtfully

When looking for a holiday apartment in Neochori, it helps to set a clear priority: should the village itself, with its stone buildings, church and central square, be the deciding factor, or would you rather base your choice on other cultural and landscape highlights on Chios? This lets you distinguish the village setting you want from your wider regional interests before choosing where to stay for your holiday.

Discover more destinations: Pyrgi, Nenita, Thimianá, Vouno, Lagkada, Aghios Georgios Sykoussis, Kallimasia, Chios

Go to the main travel overview: Chios.