Anavatos

Μετάφραση

Anavatos

Anavatos (literally means unassailable) is a medieval mountain village in the heart of Chios. Also known as the “Mystras of the Aegean”, it is perched high on a hill and offers breathtaking views and a tragic story, where women threw themselves off the sharp, steep cliffs with their children to avoid being kidnapped by the Ottomans. Anavatos played an integral role in the island’s history and particularly during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. During the Chios massacre, the village was sieged and destroyed by the Turks and unfortunately, it never recovered afterwards. It was finally abandoned in 1822 after the massacre and further damaged in 1881 after a big earthquake. Now it stands as a testament to the island’s rich past and is a remarkable example of a fortified town.

According to one theory, the village was founded by workers who arrived in Chios for the construction of Nea Moni, however the natural defenses of the site make it probable it was originally founded to control the island’s west coast during the period of piracy. Anavatos is located in a spectacular area of the island, high on a mountain with cliffs on most sides and there is only way up to it. The village was built entirely of local stone to camouflage it from pirates and the Ottoman invaders. The houses are all closely attached to each other and climb to the top of the hill. Near the only gate in the wall is an imposing building, the so-called “three-storey”. Walking the narrow pathways between the abandoned homes is very surreal. Most of the houses have turned to rubble but an effort to bring ruins back to life in recent times is ongoing. The Taxiarchis Church is one of the few buildings that has been preserved in this ghost town.

There are no inhabitants here except a mature lady, however in the summer a few more people come. There is a taverna serving traditional Greek food at the entrance of the village as well as an artist studio and gallery. Anavatos is one of the attractions that one should never miss. A walk up the hill to explore this ghost town is well worth the effort. The site is also beautiful from a distance so take some photos on your way up there. Bring your hiking shoes or at least comfortable covered shoes and discover what 200 years ago was a prosperous city. If you do take the trek out to Anavatos, very nearby is Avgonima, a semi-fortified medieval hillside village overlooking the Aegean Sea which is also worth a walk through.

This impressive village is an hour driving from Chios Town (20 kms) and not far from Nea Moni. Go early morning or later afternoon to avoid the heat. Keep in mind that this is not a curated site, which means that there is a sign at the outset warning you to climb at your own risk.

Distance Table