On top of a hill, right above the traditional village of “Pyrgi” the pride of Chios and Greece found its home, a brand new museum dedicated to the history of mastiha. This unique resin is gathered from the mastic tree, a small evergreen tree, native to the Mediterranean region. However, despite its presence in many Mediterranean countries, mastiha is only produced on the island of Chios and has a protected designation of origin in the European Union.
© PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
The name of the resin, whence the name of the drink, a liqueur seasoned with mastic, is derived from the Greek "to chew, to gnash the teeth". In 2014 the product entered the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and last year was recognized as a natural remedy.
© PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
On Saturday June 11th, the Chios Mastic Museum located in Southern Chios, in the region of the Mastichochoria, just opened its doors. This new “jewel” of the island intends to highlight the productive history of the cultivation and processing of the mastic, which integrates the cultural landscape of the island. Emphasis is also given on timelessness and sustainability of this product.
Our team was present at the opening and we has all the news and information first handed.
The permanent exhibition deals with mastic as a unique natural product. In the first rooms, the visitor learns about the mastic tree and its resin, mastiha. As the exhibition progresses, begins the exploration of the traditional expertise demanded in order to cultivate this unique product. Next is presented the way regional culture and lifestyle were influenced by the agricultural cultivation and management of the product. Followed by historical information on the island, the museum also presents the route of the product throughout the years until its cooperative exploitation and processing in modern times, which marks an important chapter of the productive history of the island. Particular reference is made to the customised forms under which the mastic travels today around the world.
© PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
© PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
Overall, the permanent exhibition is centred on the gum mastic of Chios as a unique product. It aims to chart the technique of the gum mastic tree's traditional cultivation, and to present the product's history, the evolution of the pre-industrial and industrial technology for the production, exploitation and marketing of gum mastic, as well as to showcase its different uses.
© PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
The museum experience is ideally completed in the outdoor area surrounding the museum. In a real field with mastic trees, the visitor gets to see the plant up close in the natural environment in which it thrives.
© PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
Brand new, developed under a high edge architecture design, with high edge technology and modern exhibitory approach, the mastic museum is just another reason to visit the island of Chios. Beautiful villages and beaches and local cuisine featuring the rare savour of the mastic, will form the perfect setting for unforgettable vacations.
Useful information
Adress: Locality of Rachi (Tepeki), in the Pyrgio region of the Municipality of Chios.
Telephone: (+30) 2271072212
From March 1st through to October 15th: Daily (except Tuesdays) 10 am - 6 pm.
From October 16th through to February 28th: Daily (except Tuesdays) 10 am - 5 pm.
Closed on: Tuesdays, January 1st, Good Friday (until 12 noon), (Greek Orthodox) Easter Sunday, May 1st, September 14th (local patronal feast), August 15th, December 25th and 26th.
Standard entrance fee: € 3,00
Concessionary ticket: € 1.50. Please, seehere.
Free admission: Please, see here.
Days of free admission:
May 18th (International Museum Day)
June 5th (World Environment Day)
Last weekend in September (European Heritage Days)
Identity of act
NSRF 2007 – 2013. Operational Programme «Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship» (OPCE)
Act: Chios Mastic Museum
Code of MIS Act (OCS Ergorama): 346862
Public Expenditure: € 9,234,800.00
Collective Decision Code: Ε0118
Collective Decision Body: 1012700 Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Code of Collective Decision Act: 2011SE0118015
Beneficiary: Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation
Beneficiary's Code: 1050601
Decision of Incorporation: Protocol Registry Number of the OPCE Managing Authority 3063/572/Α2/08.06.11
Cover photo: © PIOP, Ν. Δανιηλίδης
