At the central square of Pyrgi, one of the most famous medieval mastic villages of Chios, is the impressive church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, large and imposing, with the characteristic aspect of the buildings of the settlement.
As we are informed by the founding inscription, the church was built in 1694, in the period of the Turkish occupation, while the portico on the southern side is an addition from the beginning of the 20th century. Architecturally it belongs to the type of three-aisled basilica and its central aisle is elevated and is roofed with an arch. What makes it special is the external decoration of all the surfaces with the characteristic “xysta” which can be seen at all the traditional buildings of Pyrgi. It is a unique architectural element, that seems to have arrived at the island with the domination of Genoa and has preserved for centuries. Geometric and, to a lesser extent, natural motifs are repeated at the whole surface of the walls, in black and white color, as a result of scraping the external white coating of lime and reveling the interior coating of black sand. The decoration of the church is according to the folk traditional style and is later than its original construction. In its interior remarkable is the elaborate screen, work of 1851.
The church is surrounded by a yard and on its southeastern corner there is the Holy Spring, while on the southern side there is the impressive bell tower, which stands out from the whole settlement. It was constructed in 1930 from local stones at the location of the older, lower bell tower there is a small church of Agios Antonios. The church celebrates on the 15th of August and then one of the most important festivals of the island takes place.
Informations
Contact phone:
Additional
Date:
1694
Season:
Post-Byzantine
Celebrates:
15th of August
Holy Metropolis:
Chios
Under the Supervision of:
Archaeological service of Chios
Address:
Pyrgi 82102
Access:
Car, Bus
Access to People with Special Needs:
Yes
