Vareltzidaina Mansion: A traditional aristocratic residence in Lesbos

Now part of the coastal settlement of Petra, it is two storeys tall featuring a solid stone-built ground floor that gives it a fortified appearance, reminiscent of earlier fortified country houses. In contrast, the upper floor is built of lighter materials using the bagdati technique, essentially a wooden frame plastered with mud.

All the rooms in the upper floor are arranged around a central hall and are adorned with excellent examples of woodcarving (ceilings, etc.). The gypsum decorations and wall paintings are particularly distinctive, brilliant examples of folk art depicting scenes of seaside towns, floral motifs and flower garlands.