Vavili

Location

Vavili is southwest of the city of Chios and just seven kilometers away from it. The main occupation of its 200 citizens is agricultural sector. Their gardens are located in the west side of the village, the side of Sklavia, with wells and plenty of water.

They produce many gardening products and the very famous and sweet beans of Vavili. There is also a small production of mastic.

This small village also belongs to the municipality of Kambochora, although it maintains its municipal school. Besides, it has a library and a Byzantine Museum where ecclesiastical objects of great value and wonderful pictures taken from the temple of Panaghia Krina are being exposed.

The name "Vavili" is said to be derived from the Genoese last name "Vavilas", while the tradition mentions that the village was built from the slaves (kopelia, sklavia) of the Genoese, who had their castles and their estates in the area (Krina, Kardamada, Anemonas, Sklavia). When the slaves were set free, they were granted the right to settle in the area nearby and cultivate it, a fact that could explain the name Sklavia (gr. sklavia = slavery, gr. sklavi= little slave).

In the area the visitor can still see the church of Agios Ioannis of the Catholics and some old Genoese mansions.