Explore the Heritage

Museums & Sights

From the Homeric era to the Byzantine glory of Nea Moni, discover an island where every stone tells a story.

The Guide

Museums

The Mastic Museum
Archaeological Museum
Byzantine Museum (Giustiniani Palace)
Maritime Museum
Koraes Public Library & Museum
“Philip Argenti” Folklore Museum
Epigraphical Museum
Citrus Museum

Monuments

Castle of Chios
Archaeological Site of Emporios
Anavatos (The Medieval Ghost Village)
Volissos Castle
Apolichnoi Castle

Sights & Landmarks

Daskalopetra (Homer’s Rock)
Windmills at Tampakika
Cave of Olympi
Viglas (Coastal Watchtowers)

Churches & Monasteries

Monastery of Agia Markella
Holy Monastery of Agios Minas
Panagia Krina
Panagia Agiogalousaina (Agio Galas)
Panagia Sikelia
Agios Isidoros Chapel
Mundon Monastery

Mastic Museum

Located in the southern mastic-producing villages, the museum highlights the history of production and traditional cultivation. It focuses on the product’s uniqueness, the expertise of the growers, and the inclusion of this tradition in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

What to See

Explore the outdoor exhibits featuring mastic trees, learn about the stages of processing (embroidery, cleaning), and see the operation of the first industrial production machinery.

Archaeological Museum

Located near the port of Chios, the museum showcases the island’s history from the Neolithic period to Roman times. It houses significant finds from excavations at Emporios, Kato Fana, and Dotia, including impressive sculptures, ceramics, and gold jewelry.

Key Exhibits

Admire the “Kore of Chios,” the unique architectural parts of ancient temples, and the extensive collection of Alexander the Great’s inscriptions.

( Medieval Fortifications )

Chios Castles & Fortresses

The island features a network of impressive fortifications that reflect its strategic importance through the centuries. From the inhabited Castle in the main town to the imposing towers of Volissos and the abandoned medieval village of Anavatos, these sites offer a glimpse into the Byzantine and Genoese era.

Castle of Chios

Castle of Volissos

Nea Moni

Established in the 11th century, this monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece. It is globally renowned for its exceptional mosaics, which represent some of the finest examples of Middle Byzantine art. Its unique architecture and historical significance make it the island’s premier religious and cultural landmark.

Admire the famous golden mosaics in the main church (Katholikon), the ancient refectory, the cistern, and the small museum housing ecclesiastical treasures. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Fathers, which offers a serene view of the surrounding landscape.

Homer’s Stone

Located in the area of Vrontados, Daskalopetra is one of the island’s most famous landmarks, traditionally linked to the epic poet Homer. Legend suggests that the poet sat on this rock to teach his epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Archaeologically, the site is recognized as an ancient open-air sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Cybele, dating back to the late 6th century BC.

Your ultimate guide to the most authentic holidays on the island of mastic. Your adventure in the North East Aegean starts here.

Explore Chios

Contact

tourismos@chios.gov.gr

+30 22713 50514

Kanari street 18,
Chios 821 00