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'GREEK PANORAMA'
ISSUE NUMBER 27
MAY-JUNE 2002
….Until the last minute we have not seen Kardamyla. Suddenly, after a bend in the road, the plain of Kardamyla spreads before our eyes, perfectly decorated with the various shades of green, from the dark green of the pine-forest to the light green of the orchards and the fields of citrus trees. The small houses of Kardamyla are scattered all over like white and colourful strokes of a brush, while the church-towers stand out among them. In the west, a steep mountainous mass stands up, while on the faraway horizon the blue colour of the sea is a treat for the eyes…
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 ….Suddenly, the material of stone prevails. The openings of the doors and the windows become smaller, the design of the buildings becomes fortress-like. It is like crossing suddenly the invisible dividing line of time and travelling back in time, some hundreds of years ago. We are at the northern end and at the highest point of the settlement of Kardamyla, 'Spilia'… |
….We are possessed by the
unique feeling of historical awe, like being in the middle of
a medieval castle. The pictures surrounding us bring us in mind
'The Castropolitia of Mystras' (the Castletown of Mystras) or
the wonderful medieval ruins of 'Anavatos' at the center of
the island. Simple rectangle buildings are scattered all over
the hill, with small windows and doors…
…In this place of so many architectural peculiarities, full
of the glamour and the legends of the past, Dimitris Psomadakis
and his wife have created 'Spilia'. Few years ago, he completely
restored some ruined small houses on the hill. Foremost, he
respected and improved the surroundings…. After having studied
for years the history, the folklore, the old habits and the
architectural tradition of his land, he acquired a wider theoretical
knowledge and he created a remarkable collection of important
folklore objects, which he strongly hopes that they will become
the basis for the creation of a folklore museum….
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 ...Dimitris
unlocks the heavy wooden door, we bend our heads and enter inside.
The dull weather in combination with the three small openings
on the walls create a mystic atmosphere that makes the place
look like the interior of a medieval tower…. The stone work
is excellent, made of some local stone which has been used for
ages. A marvelous wooden floor, a plain set of furniture with
a sofa of pure wood, large cushions, straw-bottomed chairs and
wooden stools…A step leads us to the kitchen and the bathroom,
whereas in a corner, in front of a small window, Dimitris has
created a place for study, useful to hardworking guests. (There,
I have spent a lot of time looking through the rich bibliography
given to me by Dimitris). Close by, the small kitchen, equipped
by everything possibly needed by a family, a fridge, hot plates
and the whole range of cooking utensils. In the bathroom, nothing
is missing. Everything is of high quality to the smallest detail.
An interior wooden staircase leads to the attic, where under
the vaulted roof two single beds have been placed. The facilities
of this marvelous small house are completed by the satellite
TV, plenty of hot and cold water, air-conditioning for summer
and winter and, additionally, by the splendid stone fireplace
for the cold night moments full of romance…
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'Spilia Studios'-Traditional Houses-Spilia-Kardamyla-Post Code
82100-Chios-Greece
Tel: (+ 30)- 22720-22933, 22823- fax: (+30)-22720-22823, mobile:
6945-319737
email: info@spilia-chios.gr
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