Armolia

Armolia is a village situated in a relatively flat country south of mount “Likouri”. Up on that mountain, one can see the well-preserved Genoese Apolichnon castle. In it, the Genoese lords had housed the administrative seat of Mastiha villages (Mastihohoria) which today is a remarkable medieval museum.

Armolia is a medieval village entirely rebuilt. There are, though, several arches remaining over the narrow streets in the village centre, reminding of its long-gone image. At Panagia church, next to the village’s central church, visitors can admire one of the most impressive icon screens on the island, dating from 1744. Another interesting site is Vretos monastery, standing on a hill east of the village. Besides mastiha production, villagers have also practiced the art of pottery since ancient times. The reason for that is a shallow lake just outside the village, which accumulates quantities of clay soil on its lakebed. Even today, the village is well-known for its ceramics and this is a great draw both for Greek and foreign tourists.