The Dragon Houses in southern Evia have stood tall for thousands of years and remain an archaeological mystery.
The famed Dragon Houses are among the best-known ancient monuments of southernEvia. These curious megalithic structures, with their unique masonry and a purpose still unknown even today, have stood upright for thousands of years. Near Karystos and Styra there are more than 20 Dragon Houses, built from enormous hewn stones, set amid a wild natural landscape.
Local legend speaks of dragon dwellings that frightened the inhabitants of the area. They have no foundations and no binding materials, and the exact date of their construction has not been determined.
The mystery surrounding the Dragon Houses of Evia
Numerous theories have been put forward regarding the use, purpose, construction, and dating of the Dragon Houses. One view holds that they were ancient sanctuaries of Zeus, Hera, or Heracles. Other theories suggest they may have been beacon towers, outposts, or even dwellings of quarrymen due to their proximity to the scattered ancient quarries of the area. However, their enormous size and construction technique remain an unsolved enigma.
The Dragon House of Ochi
The most famous and best preserved lies on Mount Ochi, at the summit of Prophet Elias, at an elevation of 1,365 m, in an idyllic setting with mesmerizing views. The ascent to the famed Dragon House of Ochi is a truly unique experience for those visiting the area. Ochi is a lush mountain with pine forests, rare fragrant flora, and varied terrain, full of surprises for lovers of hiking and adventure.
Starting from the Ochi mountain refuge, which is located above Karystos, at an altitude of 1,100 m, you can explore this beautiful mountain and reach its summit to see the impressive Dragon House up close. The hiking route there will reward you with wonderful views. The first structure you will encounter, near the end of the hike, is the chapel of Prophet Elias, carved into the rocks. A few meters farther on, you will come upon the Dragon House.
The Dragon House of Ochi measures 12.7 x 7.7 m. It is the most important and most impressive of the Dragon Houses of southern Evia. It was built with large stones, placed one on top of another without other binding materials, yet in such a way that they have not collapsed for thousands of years.
Finds by Professor N. Moutsopoulos (vessels and sherds) date to the late 4th and early 3rd century BC, and seem to support the view that the structure was a temple and place of worship. However, the type of worship, the exact date of its construction, and who its creators were have not been determined.
