While our shores are the island's blue jewels, our castles and fortresses are its stone soul. Chios possesses one of the best-preserved medieval defense networks in the Mediterranean, a testament to a time when our ancestors lived behind heavy iron gates and high stone walls to protect the precious mastic from pirates.
Being a guest at Kalvokoresi 16, you are staying just a few minutes' walk from our most significant "living" monument. Let me take you on a journey through these stone sentinels.
Located at the edge of the port, this isn't just a ruin; it is a vibrant neighborhood that has been inhabited continuously for over a thousand years. Originally built by the Genoese in 1320 on Byzantine foundations, it was later enhanced by the Venetians—you can still see their influence at the impressive Porta Maggiore entrance. I always suggest guests wander its narrow alleys, visit the Ottoman Baths, and stop at the Church of Agios Georgios Phrouriou, which dates back to 993 AD.
Perched on a high hill overlooking the northern coast, this fortress is a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering. Tradition links its founding to the great General Belisarius. The climb to the top is invigorating, and the reward is a panoramic view of the Volissos plain and the Aegean that will stay with you forever. It feels as if you are standing on the edge of the world.
Built in 1446 by Jerome Justiniani, this was the administrative center for the Mastic villages under Genoese rule. It sits atop Mount Lykouri, and while it requires a 40-minute hike through a mountain path, the sense of minimalist calm and the historical gravity of the site are unparalleled. It is where the strategy for the island's defense was once born.
📍 Navigate to Apolichnon Castle
In the south, the villages themselves are the castles. Mesta is the most perfectly preserved example; its houses are built wall-to-wall, forming an impenetrable outer perimeter with only two gates for entry. In Pyrgi, you will see a unique "castle within a castle" layout, where a separate fortification surrounds the central tower. Walking through these villages under the arched bridges (kamaras) is like stepping back into the 14th century.
There is a specific kind of energy in these stones—a reminder of the resilience of our island. After a day spent exploring these medieval strongholds, there is no better feeling than returning to the refined comfort of your suite. I designed Kalvokoresi 16 Suites to be your modern sanctuary, a place where the "Quality is Our Address" tagline truly comes to life.
Take off your walking shoes, enjoy a warm Italian shower, and let our Tempur mattresses provide the restorative rest you deserve.
Warm Regards,
The Founder
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