Manors and fragrant orchards
Designated as a historical site and traditional settlement by the Ministry of Culture, Kampos on Chios Island is a lowland area unique in the world. It is a rare example of the harmonious coexistence of manor houses and traditional agricultural activity.
The heart of Kampos beats in its lush orchards. The area, rich in groundwater and fertile soil, is filled with exquisite varieties of citrus fruits. As you walk through, look for the traditional wheels, the manganas, which were the central system for irrigating the trees. The cultivation of the famous PGI mandarin, oranges and lemons has been a source of prosperity for the island for centuries, with the products being exported as luxury items.
In the narrow streets of Kampos you will see high stone walls made of the characteristic reddish Thymiana stone. Behind them you will discover two- or three-story mansions that flourished mainly during the Genoese period (14th-16th century). These mansions were the summer retreats of aristocratic families, who enriched them with elements of Renaissance art. Look for the impressive arched doors and – where possible – take a look at the famous pebbled courtyards. The high walls protect privacy and the delicate citrus trees, creating an aesthetic contrast between the closed exterior and the blooming secret interior world.
Some of these mansions are open to the public. Start at Argentiko, one of the most recognisable historical estates of the Argenti family, where you can get a taste of the aristocratic life of the past.
Continue to the Citrus Museum, housed in an impressive mansion. There, you will learn about the history and traditional methods of growing the fruit, while you will have the opportunity to taste the famous local products, such as the Citrus mandarin. Then, a walk or bike ride through the winding alleys is the ideal ending: a true journey back in time, filled with the refreshing aromas of the “golden apples of the Hesperides”.
The heart of Kampos beats in its lush orchards. The area, rich in groundwater and fertile soil, is filled with exquisite varieties of citrus fruits. As you walk through, look for the traditional wheels, the manganas, which were the central system for irrigating the trees. The cultivation of the famous PGI mandarin, oranges and lemons has been a source of prosperity for the island for centuries, with the products being exported as luxury items.
In the narrow streets of Kampos you will see high stone walls made of the characteristic reddish Thymiana stone. Behind them you will discover two- or three-story mansions that flourished mainly during the Genoese period (14th-16th century). These mansions were the summer retreats of aristocratic families, who enriched them with elements of Renaissance art. Look for the impressive arched doors and – where possible – take a look at the famous pebbled courtyards. The high walls protect privacy and the delicate citrus trees, creating an aesthetic contrast between the closed exterior and the blooming secret interior world.
Some of these mansions are open to the public. Start at Argentiko, one of the most recognisable historical estates of the Argenti family, where you can get a taste of the aristocratic life of the past.
Continue to the Citrus Museum, housed in an impressive mansion. There, you will learn about the history and traditional methods of growing the fruit, while you will have the opportunity to taste the famous local products, such as the Citrus mandarin. Then, a walk or bike ride through the winding alleys is the ideal ending: a true journey back in time, filled with the refreshing aromas of the “golden apples of the Hesperides”.
