Andros, a gem nestled in the Cyclades archipelago of Greece, captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque island is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and charming villages that exude an authentic Greek charm. Andros seamlessly blends traditional elements with contemporary attractions, offering a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
Explore the island's magnificent hiking trails, meander through quaint cobblestone streets adorned with neoclassical mansions, or unwind on golden sandy shores lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. With its vibrant arts scene, fascinating museums, and delectable local cuisine, Andros beckons adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers to discover its enchanting allure.
One of its interesting sights is the Cyclades Olive Museum. The Pitrofos "vida" olive mill, located in a two-story stone building, dominates the ground floor while the upper floor serves as the owner's residence. This mill stands as a splendid example of a small-scale, pre-industrial olive oil production facility powered by animals. Impeccable restoration work has meticulously preserved its facade and internal stonework, showcasing the quintessential features of Cycladic island architecture and agricultural practices of the era.
What sets the Pitrofos mill apart is its distinctive characteristics. Unlike most olive mills on Andros, which conducted the entire production process in a single compact space, this mill was divided into several rooms, each dedicated to different stages of the process.
Moreover, the village also recognized this house as the "Bishop's House" or "Despotiko" in Greek. This designation emerged from the fact that the Bishop of Varna, originally from Pitrofos, returned to spend his final years there in 1823. Remarkable original elements of the building, such as three millstones, two stone milling plates, and various structural details, indicate that the mill had been operational long before the 18th century, with certain elements dating back over 400 years.
Dimitris Chelmis, the owner of this mill, personally guides visitors through the mill, offering detailed explanations of each stage of the oil production process. Visitors can witness the animal-powered mill in one room, marvel at the ingeniously engineered press in another, and explore the storage room where temperature regulation occurs naturally thanks to the massive walls' design and construction. Through clear explanations, Mr. Chelmis sheds light on the finer details of "extra virgin" and "cold pressed" olive oil, forever altering visitors' perception of this precious liquid.
To complete the immersive experience, visitors are invited to relax in the mill's cool ancient storage cellar and watch a captivating video showcasing the restored mill's operation using its original equipment, producing olive oil in the traditional manner. This labor of love in restoring the mill is beautifully captured in the video, which transports viewers to a joyous time when the mill once again churned out olive oil, propelled by a donkey and operated by men who had toiled at the mill decades before. This museum not only offers a fresh perspective on the everyday olive oil we use but also provides an unforgettable glimpse into the life of a Cycladic island village, preserving its timeless essence.
If you ever visit Andros, this museum is worth visiting!