Ancient Styra – The City of the Dryopes
The history of Nea Styra begins with ancient Styra, a city whose origins reach into the prehistoric past. Ancient authors mention that the region was inhabited by the Dryopes, an early Greek tribe pushed southward during the great movements of peoples. The Dryopes left few written records, but their presence survives in local traditions and archaeological traces.
Styra also appears in Homer’s Iliad, listed among the cities that sent ships to Troy. This mythical mention does not guarantee a historical army, but it shows that Styra was known and considered culturally significant in the Archaic and Classical periods.
Rising above the modern village is Mount Kliosi, the dominant hill that once held the acropolis of ancient Styra. Today the ruins are scattered—sections of walls, traces of towers, and foundations of ancient buildings. The position is commanding, with panoramic views over the Styra plain and across the Evoikos Gulf toward Attica. It is easy to understand why ancient inhabitants chose it: whoever controlled this point controlled sea routes and land passages alike.
The region was also famed for its quarries, which produced a distinctive green-grey marble known as Styrian marble or cipollino. This stone, with its wavy, onion-layer patterns, became popular in Roman times and was transported across the Mediterranean. Its existence suggests that Styra engaged in trade, industry, and skilled craftsmanship.
The Drakospita – The Megalithic Mystery of South Evia
Perhaps the most fascinating and puzzling monuments of the Nea Styra region are the Drakospita (“Dragon Houses”). These large megalithic structures—massive stone buildings made without mortar—are found mostly on Mount Ochi and the surrounding highlands, but several lie close to Nea Styra.
They consist of huge stone slabs arranged with astonishing precision: thick walls, roofs formed by single enormous blocks, and doorways that seem designed for beings of immense strength. Their origin remains one of Greek archaeology’s enduring mysteries.
Dating them has proven difficult. Some archaeologists place them in the 6th–4th century BC, others in the Hellenistic period, while a few propose even earlier, pre-Classical dates. Their function is equally debated. Were they sanctuaries dedicated to Zeus or Hera? Guard posts over ancient roads? Shelters for shepherds? Storage points? Or ritual spaces where offerings were made?
Excavations near some of the Drakospita revealed animal bones, pottery fragments, and signs of fire, supporting a possible religious or ceremonial use. Yet no definitive answer exists.
Local folklore adds another layer: villagers once believed that the structures were built by “dragons”—not mythical beasts, but supernatural, powerful beings who hauled the massive stones into place. The name survived, giving the monuments their iconic identity.
Today, visiting a Drakospito near Nea Styra is like stepping into another era of Greek history—one that feels older than the Classical temples and deeper than written myth.
The Middle Ages – Franks, Venetians, and Castles in the Hills
After the fall of the ancient city, the region continued to be inhabited through Roman and Byzantine times. But the most visible medieval remains date to the Frankish period following the Fourth Crusade (1204), when Evia passed into Latin control.
On the top of Mount Kliosi above Nea Styra stands the fortress known as the Castle of Armeni (or the Larmena Gate). The location, already significant in antiquity, was refortified by Frankish lords. The remains of towers, walls, and cisterns still testify to its defensive purpose.
In the early 14th century, the Catalans captured the fortress, holding it for decades. In 1373, they sold it to the Venetians, who integrated it into their defensive network in southern Evia. Under Ottoman rule, the strategic value of the site continued—this narrow part of the island was always an important passage between sea routes.
1821: The Heroic Stand at Kokkinomylos
In the Greek War of Independence, the Styra region witnessed one of the lesser-known but heroic episodes of the revolution.
On 12 January 1822, Ilias Mavromichalis, nephew of the great Petrobey, found himself surrounded near Styra by a large Ottoman force under Omer Bey of Karystos. With only a small group of men, he took refuge in an old windmill at Kokkinomylos. Refusing to surrender, they fought until the last moment and were killed when the Ottomans set the building on fire. Their stand became a symbol of resistance in southern Evia.
Modern Nea Styra – From Rural Settlement to Coastal Gateway
The modern village of Nea Styra grew gradually from the late 19th to mid-20th century, expanding downhill from the older settlements toward the coast. With the introduction of the ferry line to Agia Marina in Attica, Nea Styra became a convenient gateway to Evia, attracting visitors and fostering local tourism.
In the last decades, infrastructure improved, and Nea Styra became known for its clean beaches, small tavernas, and proximity to hiking trails leading into the ancient past.
Sights
Drakospita (Dragon Houses)
Location: Hills around Styra and Mount Ochi
- Monumental megalithic structures without mortar.
- A unique archaeological mystery of Greece.
- Stunning mountain landscapes and excellent hiking routes.
Acropolis of Ancient Styra (Mount Kliosi)
Location: Above Nea Styra
- Ruins of the ancient acropolis with panoramic sea views.
- Visible fortification walls, towers, and ancient foundations.
- Ideal short hike.
Castle of Armeni (Frankish / Venetian Fort)
Location: Peak of Mount Kliosi
- Medieval ruins offering 360° views of southern Evia.
- Layers of Frankish, Catalan, and Venetian history.
Ancient Marble Quarries
Location: Near modern Styra
- Remains of ancient industry producing “Styrian marble.”
- Atmospheric stone-cutting pits and carved channels.
Kokkinomylos – The Windmill of the 1822 Battle
Location: North of Styra
- Site of the heroic last stand of Ilias Mavromichalis.
- A short historical visit for lovers of the 1821 era.
Hiking Routes to Mount Ochi
- Well-marked trails through forests, streams, and rocky plateaus.
- Access to several Drakospita and highland views.
