Chios (town)

Chios (Greek: Χίος) is the main town and a former municipality on the island of Chios, North Aegean, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Chios, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] The municipal unit has an area of 22.823 km2.[3] It is located on the eastern coast of the island facing the Turkish coastal town of Çeşme. The town has a population of 26,850 (2011)[1] and is the administrative capital and main port of both the island and of the regional unit of Chios. Chios town is one of eight municipal units on the island.

Chios

Χίος
View of the promenade
Seal
Chios
Location within the regional unit
Coordinates: 38°22′21″N 26°08′15″E
CountryGreece
Administrative regionNorth Aegean
Regional unitChios
MunicipalityChios
Government
 • MayorManolis Bournous
 • Municipal unit22.823 km2 (8.812 sq mi)
Elevation
20 m (70 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Municipal unit
26,850
 • Municipal unit density1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Chiot
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
821 00
Area code(s)22710
Vehicle registrationΧΙ
Websitehttp://www.chioscity.gr

The city is often locally referred to as "Chora" (Χώρα; literally meaning "country") or "Kastro" (Κάστρο; "castle") to distinguish it from the entirety of the island with which it shares the name.

North of Chios lies the suburb of Vrontados, while the Chios Island National Airport and town of Karfas lie a few kilometres south of the centre.

History

Originally the site of an ancient settlement, the town was first built at the north side of a natural harbour. By the 16th century, the Byzantine walled town had been further fortified by the Genoese rulers into a massive medieval castle, the "Kastro".

The current town has expanded out from the Kastro, and the port in the last 200 years. After the devastating earthquake of 1881, the town was substantially rebuilt in neoclassical style, although much of the quayside and outskirts are more modern. The promenade and buildings on it, architechnically were influenced by the nearby Smyrna on Asia minor coast. In 1885 the population was circa 13.000.

Although the population is relatively stable, the town continues to expand with suburbs being built to the north and south. Nevertheless, the centre of the town is still concentrated between the port and castle where the administration, several museums, the main shopping street "Aplotaria", and the municipal gardens lie.

Districts
  • Aplotariá (Aplotaria Street)
  • Agia Marina
  • Bella Vista (promenade)
  • Bournias
  • Kastro
  • Neapoli (Tabakika)
  • Fragoparikia
  • Vounaki (Vounakiou Square)
  • Varvasi

Landmarks
  • Map of Chios town, 1574
  • Windmills at the port
  • Adamantios Korais public library
  • Municipal park
  • Metropolitan Cathedral of the town
  • Mecidiye mosque
  • Abdul Hamid Ottoman fountain
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References
  1. "Απογραφή Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός" (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority.
  2. Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (in Greek)
  3. "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-21.
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