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.