We discovered the pearl - village Pyrgi unexpectedly! This seemingly unassuming village was the closest grocery store to our deserted beach on the island of Chios.
We had to drive about 10 km through breathtaking serpentines to arrive at Pyrgi. And I probably would never have known about this unique village if I hadn't noticed a house near the store that had strange patterns! Black and white, in a very interesting style that I have not seen anywhere.
When I drove along the serpentines, I observed stone walls everywhere in the mountains, as if there used to be a city here and the ruins remained. I usually ask in Google: interesting historical places on the island of Chios? And the first information that the wise uncle Google gave was about the village of Pyrgi.
Nothing was written about the stone walls, most likely they were fortifications that protect the mountains from landslides. I did not find another explanation. But I definitely decided to go on an excursion to this mysterious and unique Greek village.
My son brought me and my younger Darinka to the place where there was a store and we went for a walk up the street. We had one hour for this walk and again had to return to the designated place to be picked up. Because we didn't have internet. And we really found a unique ancient city here. One of those four ancient Greek villages that have preserved the unique face of antiquity. These are Pyrgi, Armolia, Olimpi, Mesta.
So, I invite you for a walk in Pyrgi. Basically, all the walls of the houses here are painted with original black and white patterns, which consist of various geometric shapes that form beautiful combinations. There are also circular patterns, inside which there are also various triangles or ovals that look like flowers.
We slowly walked along a narrow street, where it is so cozy that you want to listen to this silence, and walk so carefully so as not to frighten the spirit of antiquity :)
People live here. I wonder how they live here, when you can see the windows and doors of the neighbors opposite so close from the window!
And then we went to a beautiful square where there was a cozy cafe. I would like to drink coffee there and remember this moment. But this time I couldn't linger and just took a few photos. An interesting cute moment was the six Greek women sitting under the wall in this square. They were all dressed in black. You know, it reminded me a little of a Ukrainian village in my childhood, when grandmothers liked to talk about everything and everyone in the evening ))) These women looked at Darinka and me with curiosity and a little wariness. And I smiled at them :)
We continued our way through the streets of Pyrgi, which were really like a maze! Narrow and mysterious, they led us to an unknown destination. The houses were similar in their patterns, and later I noticed that the main focus was on the balcony below. As I looked up, I saw beautiful circular patterns that were truly a work of art! There were no trees here, only exotic creepers near the walls delighted us with their luxurious red flowers!
Everything was harmonious here. Windows, in white frames, stone medieval walls and doors against the background of an old shabby wall were a masterpiece... And I felt like a part of this ancient city, which enveloped me in its protection and comfort...
I found very good words about this amazing place: Pyrgi is a personal vision that came true.
It is a vision of the subtle, sophisticated elegance and beauty of traditional Greece in all its architectural and decorative variations. It took more than forty years of continuous work with the help of local craftsmen to turn the vision into reality, a personal tribute to the eternal spirit of Greece.
It is important to remember that Pirgi is not a thorough and accurate reconstruction of old Greek peasant houses. Rather, it is the re-adaptation and alteration of traditional Greek architectural features, as well as popular artefacts and objects used in Greek daily life to reveal their inherent beauty and their practical use. In numerous publications in Greece and abroad, Pirgi has been described as one of the most beautiful and original houses in the world. Thus, it serves as both a glorification of Greece's past and a call to modern Greeks to save and preserve their heritage.
"The essence of a house is its durability," H. L. Mencken once said. The essence of Pirgi is the constancy of the Greek spirit throughout the centuries.
Passing the next streets that appeared before our eyes every time, I enjoyed new finds, which, like bright elements, perfectly complemented my impression of Pyrgi. There is a table and chairs on the patterned balcony. I would like to live in these apartments to feel the spirit of this town. I wonder what it would be like to wake up here in the morning, go out on this balcony and drink coffee...
Another highlight of the ancient Greek villages are the arches, towers and tunnels between the houses, where the stone walls... And here you really feel like you are in a mysterious dungeon!
Sometimes, passing through such arches, you find a different city within a city! Completely different elements of the houses: steps, railings, doors in the tower and overhanging colorful balconies... And you walk as if enchanted among this ancient country!
A beautiful city whose houses are decorated with carved and painted patterns called graffito.
Scattered across the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey, the far northeastern Aegean Islands are probably Greece's best-kept secrets. Stunningly beautiful and virtually untouched by mass tourism, these hard-to-reach islands offer visitors a glimpse into the true heart of Greece and captivate you with their mythological origins.
Pyrgi is an underrated destination. The villages were built in the Middle Ages and have been carefully preserved, and its unique decorative elements are worth seeing. The black and white motifs of various shapes (called kista) on the facades of houses and buildings make it a picturesque and highly insagrammatic destination. With its narrow streets, exquisite architecture and relaxed vibe, Pyrgi is truly a charming village that you must explore.
On our way back, we saw many flags of different countries on the wall. And Ukraine was next to Russia... This always reminds me that we are no longer "brothers". And our mission abroad is to convey to the world that Ukraine is a separate spiritual and intelligent nation!
Thank you to the organizers of this wonderful community @aplusd and @storiesoferne for the opportunity to share my architectural discoveries!
When we travel, we also see people who are different in different countries! But all people have one thing in common - their children :) They always play outside, like these Greek children near an exotic car :)
Our #TheLongestTrip continues...
Now I have moved to mainland Greece. And this is the next publication.
In one of your posts, I actually mentioned about Pirgi, where there are houses covered with ceramiscs. I am not sure if it is ceramics or something else.
I think there are also teahouses which look similar with the ones in Turkiye. The shops and restaurants have Turkish menu as well.
Have u tried mastich?
Thanks for sharing the beauties of Chios with us.
I read about mastic. Mastic trees...
Healing resin for the body. It is called a Greek miracle. I haven't tried it, unfortunately.
Without a doubt it is a very nice and reserved place, it is seen that despite a house is only separated by a mini street there are not so many people who go to those places which gives them privacy, its facade decoration style is really very beautiful never I thought the placement of certain patterns as decoration but here it looks very nice, clean and gives that feeling of an ancient and sacred town.
So really, here the patterns on the houses create style and exclusivity. I'm glad you liked!
So beautiful village, it's really a pearl! I like so much all those "drawings" on the wall of the houses, awesome!
I'm glad you like it. As an artist, it would be interesting for you to visit there :)
Hiya, @LivingUKTaiwan here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Daily Travel Digest TD1608.
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Thank you so much 🥰
Greetings this way! As soon as I saw the first image I thought "that looks like Greek styling" and then I read your post and it all made sense. It looks like a lovely place to me, it retains the aesthetics of a veija era and that is admirable. I rescued this passage you mention: "The essence of a house is its durability," H. L. Mencken once said. The essence of Pirgi is the constancy of the Greek spirit throughout the centuries. That thought is reflected in its streets and houses and in the inhabitants themselves who are in charge of maintaining the place. A hug, an article without loss, very well detailed.
I agree. These words describe ancient Greece very well. Thanks for visiting!
Amazing place and pictures!! Your post is perfect!! Congratulations!! :D
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked 💞
This is the first time that I have seen such a labyrinth design, they are amazing! Good afternoon from the Philippines!
Nice to meet you @afterglow! The Philippines is a country I really want to visit. Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you liked my post :)
Nice to meet you too @olga.maslievich, it is fun here in our country, I am sure you are going to enjoy your stay here. Have a nice day head.
It really looks pearl, you've got a nice environment there.
You held the camera well, its nice 💯
Thank you ❤️
I'm glad you liked my photos!
This place really amazing and has unique architecture each building, i love the place athough its narrow but looks very neatly
I really like cities with narrow streets. They are very cozy and atmospheric :)
what a gorgeous place @olga.maslievich , nicely shot ,great upload
I am glad, @grindle, that you liked it!
Exploring ancient cities - my hobby)
yes indeed at @olga.maslievich , we have tat in common 😊
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