The small village of Mesta is located 35 km south west of Chios Town, in the area called Mastihochoria (Mastic Villages). Mesta used to be a heavy producer of mastic and its inhabitants were wealthy, as testify today the beautiful mansions. It has about
400 inhabitants and is the best preserved medieval village of Chios. The houses are built attached one to another, forming a fortified wall. This is one of the finest examples of defensive architecture. Narrow cobbled alleys are winding around the houses,
leading to the lovely central square. The wonderful traditional architecture of Mesta is protected and all interventions alternating the original architectural style are prohibited. The inhabitants of the village are also preserving their traditional customs
and traditions.