Armolia
 

Armolia is a medieval village but nowadays is almost re-built. A few remaining arches above the narrow roads in the Center, give you an idea of its original sight. There are still a few remains of old houses, but in compensation for the changes all the new houses have gardens full of flowers. It is located about 20Km SW of the city of Chios. The Armolousians have a long tradition in making and decorating ceramics such as: pitchers, vases, jars, bowls and cups so there is a marvelous collection of local ceramics, and you can still see the simple potter’s wheel turning.

 

 

One of the most impressive iconostasis on the island, dated in 1744, can be found in the church of Panagia, adjacent to the village’s central church of Aghios Demetrios.  A visit to Vretou Monastery which stands high on a hill above the village is a reward for the walker. On a hill west to the village stands the Byzantine castle of Apolichnon. Here the Genoese had established the administrative mansion of the southern mastic villages (=mastichohoria), an remarkable medieval monument which is still preserved.