The unique architectural character of the island and the architectural motives introduced to Chios by the Genoese.

One of the main elements of cultural heritage that the Genoese left behind them in Chios was their characteristic architecture whose elements survive till nowadays in many parts of the island. The architectural style of many houses and public buildings attracted the attention of many travellers that were impressed by the quality and style of the constructions as compared with other islands in the Aegean. The architecture and methods of building were solely western European rather than Greek and the stylistic mentality behind the constructions was similar if not identical to the one that inspired the craftsmen that built up Genoa (see map 7). The Italian architectural attributes pleasantly surprised the visitors that were impressed by the two colours of limestone used in the walls of the houses copied by the alternating patterns of white and black or green stone or marble that survives till present time in the Village of Pyrghi and elsewhere. The similarity in the architectural approach between the places mentioned above with several edifices in the city of Genoa with the most prominent one the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is more than obvious (compare photo group 1 and photo group 9).

From descriptions and paintings we gather that the town of Chios was a miniature of the city of Genoa (see map 7 topographic map of Genoa). The buildings had pointing roofs and the houses were well constructed with decorated and carved marbles, balconies and terraces and were made of stone similar to the ones encountered in the Ligurian Riviera (photo group 9). In many buildings the Genoese used the red and yellow Thymiana sandstone and gave emphasis on the large dimensions of the doors and windows. The houses were decorated with coloured marbles on the floors, main entrance columns, windows and cornices preferably painted with turquoise blue with spacious staircases and vaulted decorated ceilings with the coat of arms of the family (see photo 10). The houses of the Genoese period had large porticos (see photo group 11) and galleries and the gardens or courtyards had pavements of marble with fountains (or wells) with water running into a reservoir full of fish giving thus a splendid decorative effect (see photo group 12). The main doorway of the house was made of large wooden doors covered with bronze and the outside walls were finely decorated with carved marbles same as the windows (see photo group 13). Another integral part of the Chian house during the Genoese period was the tower (see photo 14) (either a central one or two at either ends of the house) described by many visitors and exhibited by paintings such as the sixteenth century work of art currently located in the Scuola Navale in Genoa depicting the town of Chios. The most attractive terraced houses usually with towers were located in the Campos area (South to town) where the island’s nobility resided. In the Northern part of the city there was the castle area and windmills.