There are several routes up from Gialos to Chorio by foot, but the Kali Strata, whose broad steps begin just inland of the southwest corner of the harbour, is the most impressive. It passes the finest neoclassical mansions— many ruined, some roofless, some lived-in, some semi detached (designed as symmetric double habitations), and a few with gardens and venerable trees. Within the limits of the theme, their variety and elegance is remark able. The summit of the stairs is the beginning of Ano Chorio, the Upper Town, which occupies a saddle in the slope of Mount Vigla,which slopes slowly down to the bay of Pedhi to the east, at the end of its fjord-like en trance from the sea. The fertile slope of this valley was the main area of cultivation for the island. The town above spreads around a central eminence topped by the castle (the ancient acropolis). The area immediately around the castle has small, closely clustered houses, narrow stone alleys, and few open spaces. Around the edge of this nucleus are the earliest neoclassical houses added at the perimeter of the older area in the early years of the 19th century, before Gialos began to be developed. Here the older tempera colours can be seen on ruined buildings, often—where the plaster is damaged—revealing many layers of different colours, following the various changes in taste and fashion from blue, to red, to yellow. The stone ornamentation and plaster decoration are also more extravagant here than in Gialos.

Symi Island is part of the Dodecanese Island Group, Greece.


Symi Island is part of the Dodecanese Island Group, Greece.

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