VALUES

The most mysterious monument of Evia. The dragonhouses are found mainly in South Evia, but also in central. These are megalithic structures and have been discovered around 20 to 30.

The popular imagination baptized them dragonhouses because because of size and location built, they could be inhabited by dragons, rather than humans. Besides, a common feature in all dragon houses is the steep and supervisory position built.

Our operation and time of construction are unknown. According to the prevailing version were sacred houses dedicated to Zeus and Hera and built in the 7th to 2nd century BC.

For example, according to some other views they were outposts, quarry shelters or warehouses. Also unknown are the manufacturers of these megalithic monuments.

According to one version were the Cares, mountainous people of the East or another version, the Drypes, a mythical people of Karustia. In 1959 an archaeological pioneering took place by Professor of the Polytechnic School of Thessaloniki Nikolaos Moutsopoulos.

Inside many vessels were found dating back to the 7th century BC. Also, animal remains were found outside, sacrifice remains.

The way they are constructed is particularly impressive. These are huge stones, placed so that no kind of binder is needed. Mostly, however, their roof is impressive.

Their roof is constructed according to the exphoric system. According to this system, large heavy plates converge, placed in layers by the two opposite walls. Each layer extends a little more than under it resulting in the creation of a pyramid roof.

Also, in the interior of the dragonhouses stone stones have been saved, which are on purpose out of the wall, in order to create shelves. Finally, in the Drachouse in Oh, windows have also been saved.

Above the city of Karystos, in southern Evia, is the most important medieval monument of Evia and one of the most important of Greece, the castle of Karystos. Castello Rosso or Red Castle is located on a hill above the Mills.

Thanks to its volume and the location it is built, it dominates the entire area. The place built has plenty of plane springs and running waters, necessary for the survival of the castle in the event of siege.

The fortress was built in 1030 AD by Lombards, immediately after the occupation of the island by the Franks. The castle, due to its technical and natural fortifications, was impregnable.

The first to succeed was the knight Licario in 1276, on behalf of the Byzantines. In 1295, however, it was occupied by Catalans, who sold it, along with the city of Karystos, to the Venetians. When the Turks, after the occupation of Chalcis in 1470 were promoted to Karysto, the Venetians delivered it without a fight.

The castle's double arched main gate is invisible externally due to a low wall that protects it. The castle still stands the ramparts of the second interior of the castle. At the bottom of the castle there is the chapel of the Prophet Elias, where below it there is still the water tank, where they used in a state of siege.

On the south side of the mountain, Castanologus extends, a forest with long-lived chestnuts. It is located within walking distance of the shelter. The ground to navigate the forest is relatively rough and rough, but if you decide to follow it you will be rewarded by the images you will face.

Mount Oh is located above Karysto, in southern Evia. Its highest peak is Prophet Elias at 1399 meters. Near the top is the church of the same name. Here are the Drakhouse, the brownsmith, and the Roman quarries.

The origin of the name of the term may come from Greek mythology. According to legend Hera sat on the mountain, where Zeus saw it.

He set out to conquer her, so he turned into a cuckoo. Shaking from the cold, he approached Hera, who just saw him, put him in her chest to warm up. Then Zeus took his normal form and tried to make it his. But she refused and left. As a continuation of the myth Hera fled to Dirfy where Zeus arrived and proposed to her to win it.

The mountain has a dense network of walking trails where the visitor can admire the rich flora and fauna, the unique geological formations and the archaeological sites and monuments on the mountain.

The main path starts from the Mills. After 45′ you will reach the Roman quarries. Continue the path for 1 hour and 30′ and you will find the refuge of Ohi. The trail continues to the top of the Och. From the shelter you want 2 hours and 30′ for the top.

On the way you can admire the chapel of Prophet Elias and the Drakhouse, the best preserved megalithic building of Evia.

From the top we return to the rough path that leads (through sara), in 2 hours at the entrance of Demosaris (Petrocanalo), where there is a stone residential and tourist signs. We continue on the distinct path and cross the Dimosari Gorge (4 hours to the village of Kallianos), one of the most beautiful ravines in Greece, with clear waters, waterfalls, ponds and lush vegetation.

For someone who only wants to cross the gorge of Demosaris (without passing through the shelter and the top of the Ohi, it reaches the Petrocanalos good dirt road.