Churches and Monasteries

Religious Monuments on Chios island

Chios island’s important geographical position at the crossroads of East and West and the value of Chios Mastiha (Chios gum mastic) was recognized by the Byzantines leading to a period of prosperity for the island. Apart from the impressive castles and defensive network, on Chios island important religious monuments have survived dating back to the Byzantine period. Early christian basilicas (St. Isidor’s and St. Vasileios in Chios Town), as well as monasteries and churches worth visiting.

Two monasteries that you should not miss are:

Nea Moni

Nea Moni monastery was built in the 11th century, by imperial decree of Emperor Constantie Monomachos. Its design is following the art of the Byzantine capital Consantinople, in terms of architecture and mosaic decoration. The monastery belongs to the Worldwide Heritage Monuments protected by UNESCO. Nea Moni mosaics date back to the 11th century and are an example of the most important creations of Byzantine art.

Moni Moundon

Moni Moundon (Moundon Monastery) is a historic monastic campus dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It is situated in Amani area of northern Chios, near Diefcha village. It was possibly founded in the Byzantine years , however, the oldest documents citing the monastery date back to the 16th century. Its impressive iconography reminds 19th century folk art.

It is also worth visiting important churches or picturesque chapels in Chios town and in the villages:

Chios Cathedral

Chios Cathedral is dedicated to Saints Minas, Victor and Vincent. At Chios Cathedral the visitor can admire valuable artefacts, like the reliquary of Chios Martyr, St. Isidor (251 A.D.), which was brought to Chios from Venice in 1967. The Cathedral has an impressive pebbled yard. This style of creating decorative patterns with black and white pebbles is very popular on Chios and it is called “votsaloto”. The designs include early-christian themes, paradise landscapes and geometrical designs. It is a traditional local decorative art, which is also found in many local mansions, and is evidence of the devotion of local craftsmen.

Old Taxiarchis Church

The Old Taxiarchis church at Mesta is known for its important iconography and impressive woodcarved iconostasis, which is characteristic example of local woodcarving art.

St. George in the Castle of Chios

St. George at Chios Castle is the main temple of the Castle neighbourhood. it was built in 993 A.D. It is one of the oldest churches of Chios town and has continually been a place of worship throughout the years. In different periods, it was an orthodox and catholic church or a mosque. Here you can see a unique icon, dedicated to Chios saints.

The Holy Apostles Church

The Holy Apostles temple in Pyrgi village is a copy of the Nea Moni monastery catholicon, and it is one of the best preserved byzantine monuments on Chios.