Vessa is known for its well-preserved architecture, narrow streets, and traditional buildings, and is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the island’s rich history and culture. Vessa was also once a Genoese colony, and its history is closely tied to the cultivation of mastic, a prized natural resin that has been harvested on the island for centuries. The village is enclosed by a ring of fortified walls, which were built by the Genoese in the 14th century to protect the village from pirate raids. Inside the walls, the village’s narrow streets and stone houses have been beautifully preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like in a medieval village on Chios.
