Chios (city)
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Municipality of Chios Δημοτική Ενότητα Χίου (Χίος) |
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| Basic data | |||
| State : |
 Greece
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| Region : |
North Aegean
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| Regional District : | Chios | ||
| Municipality : | Chios | ||
| Geographic coordinates : | 38 ° 22 ' N , 26 ° 8' E | ||
| Height above d. M .: | 20 m (average) |
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| Area : | 22.823 km² | ||
| Residents : | 26,850 (2011) | ||
| Population density : | 1,176.4 inhabitants / km² | ||
| Code No .: | 570101 | ||
| Structure: |
1 municipality |
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| Located in the municipality of Chios and the Chios regional unit | |||
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Chios ( Greek Χίος ( f. Sg. )) Is a Greek city. It is the economic and cultural center of the island of Chios and municipality of the same name . Since the administrative reform in 2010 , the city has formed the municipality of Chios ( Dimotiki Enotita Chiou Δημοτική Ενότητα Χίου) in the municipality of Chios ( Dimos Chiou Δήμος Χίου) and is its administrative seat.
location
The municipality of Chios extends over 8 km on the central east coast of the island. The town of Chios is 5 km along the coastline. The border with the municipality of Omiroupoli in the north runs for about 2 km in the valley of the river Armenis (Αρμένης). The maximum extension to the west is about 4 km at the border with the municipality of Kambochora on Mount Korakaris (Κορακάρης), which at the same time represents the highest elevation with a height of about 350 m. South of the airport is the fertile Kambos plain, the area of the municipality here almost reaches the outskirts of Thymiana in the municipality of Agios Minas . The Erythrea peninsula in Asia Minor (Χερσόνησο της Ερυθραίας) is located about 10 km east of the Chios Strait ( Steno tis Chiou Στενό της Χίου; also Steno tis Erythreas Σραıς Σης ίğης ğğης ίης ίğης ίğης ίğης)
history
The history of the city and the island is closely linked. Its location in close proximity to the coast of Asia Minor, on the trade route from the Black Sea to the southern Aegean Sea , made the city very important in economic, strategic and cultural terms early on. This has aroused the interest and desire of colonizers since antiquity and resulted in an eventful history.
The first documented settlement dates before the 1st millennium BC. Since that time, archaeological and architectural evidence has shown continuous settlement through the following epochs. Thus, the city can be confirmed a more than 3000 year history. However, the location of the ancient buildings cannot be precisely determined today, as the old building materials were repeatedly used during the reconstruction as a result of the destruction caused by conquests and earthquakes.
On March 22nd, Jul. / April 3, 1881 greg. the city by an earthquake that was strength 6.5 on the surface wave magnitude almost completely destroyed.
Public facilities
- Korais library
The Korais Library (Δημόσια Κεντρική Ιστορική Bιβλιοθήκη Χίου Κοραή) was founded in 1792. With around 140,000 titles, it is the third largest library in Greece. The library is named after the collector and founder Adamantios Korais , whose books were added to the collection after his death. The Argenti Folklore Museum (Εθνολογικό και Λαογραφικό Μουσείο Αργέντη) is located on the upper floor.
- Cultural center of the municipality of Chios "Homerio"
The cultural center of the community of Chios "Homerio" (Ομήρειο Πνευματικό Κέντρο Δήμου Χίου) was founded in 1980. The multi-purpose building with a concert hall, conference hall, conference room and exhibition rooms is located in the city center opposite the public park.
- North Aegean Playhouse
The North Aegean Drama Theater (Δημοτικό Περιφερειακό Θέατρο Βορείου Αιγαίου) was founded in 1993 as the city theater of Chios. In agreement with the Greek Ministry of Culture, the establishment of the North Aegean Playhouse was decided in 1995. The director has been the film and theater director Dimos Avdeliodis , who held this position from 1998-2000 since 2004 .
- General Hospital "Skylitsio"
The General Hospital of Chios (Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Χίου Σκυλίτσειο) started operations at the end of the 19th century. It is located about 2 km north of the city center. Today the modern, 98-bed hospital has, among other things, wards for cardiology , neurology , gynecology , surgery and orthopedics .
Attractions
Museums
- Archaeological Museum (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο)
The museum was built between 1966 and 1971 and renovated from 1998 to 1999. On display are finds from excavations all over the island, including the temple of Apollo Faneos, the Dotia defense tower near Emborios, Emborios itself, Agio Galas, the city of Chios and Archontiki on Psara. In addition to art objects, a permanent exhibition also shows objects from everyday life from the Neolithic to Roman times. Changing themed exhibitions take place on the second floor. The museum was nominated European Museum of the Year in 2001.
- Byzantine Museum
The Metzitie Mosque (Μετζητιέ Τζαμί) was built during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1843. The mosque is located east of the Platia Vounaki (Πλατεία Βουνάκι) and is used as a Byzantine museum. The objects on display date from the 5th to 18th centuries. The most important exhibits are a fresco from 1734 from the Panagia Krina church (Παναγία Κρήνα). The scene depicts a miracle of St. Nicholas and shows three sleeping girls. Two marble lintels depicting St. George slaying a dragon are an exhibit of Genoese art from the Renaissance. In the courtyard, along with numerous other pieces from the early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic and late Byzantine periods, there is a collection of sculptures from the Genoese period as well as Jewish tombstones and cannons from the 17th century.
- Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum (Ναυτικό Μουσείο) is housed in a neoclassical building in the city center. The founders were members of seafaring families. In 1991 the museum was transferred from the heirs to a public foundation. Exhibits such as ship models, ship parts, instruments and paintings of Chiot sailing and steam ships illustrate the economic importance of shipping for Chios.
- Municipal art collection
The municipal art collection (Δημοτική Πινακοθήκη της Χίου) is located near the Platia Vounaki (Πλατεία Βουνάκι) in a bathhouse built between 1935 and 1936 according to plans by the architect Ioannis Despotopoulos . After the bathing business continued to decline in the mid-1970s, a change of use was decided. Renovation began in 1984 with the participation of the local population. Since April 1994, works by artists from all over Greece have been exhibited alongside works by Chiot artists.
Churches
- SS. Victores Cathedral
The “Cathedral of the Holy Victores” (Μητρόπολη της Χίου (Άγιοι Βίκτωρες)) is dedicated to Saints Victor, Vincentius and Menas (Ναός των Αγίων Μηνά, Βίκτωρος derηνά, Βίκτωρος κοτ is located in the center of the library next to και Βος next to the Korais library. It is the Orthodox Episcopal Church. In 1888, the cathedral was built in neo-Byzantine style on the site of the previous building destroyed in the 1881 earthquake. The reliquary of the martyr Saint Isidore has been in the cathedral since 1967. Previously, the relics were kept in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice .
- St. Isidorus Basilica
Remains of the early Christian St. Isidorus basilica (Βασιλική του Αγίου Ισιδώρου) are located one km north of the city center near the district hospital in the Letsena district. Due to the numerous Roman structural elements, it is assumed that the basilica was built in the 5th century on the ruins of a Roman building. Later the church was rebuilt again and again, so later a three-aisled basilica was built. It was then expanded into a cross-shaped church building with a tower and apse. This church was destroyed by an earthquake on March 20, 1389. During the Ottoman occupation, a minaret was added to the church on the north wall. In another earthquake in 1881 the church was destroyed again. The relics of the martyrs of Chios, Saint Isidore and Saint Myrope were kept in the crypt .
Buildings
- Fortress of Chios
The fortress of Chios ("Frourio" Φρούριο or "Kastro" Κάστρο) is north of the port and borders the sea with the eastern wall. Construction began in the late 10th century during the Byzantine era, but nothing has survived from that period. After the Genoese established a trading base in 1304, the fortress was expanded and, after the Genoese occupation since 1346, it was extensively reinforced, including a moat. The alterations and extensions during the Ottoman rule up to the Greek Revolution still shape the interior of the fortress today. During the short, approximately five and a half months Venetian occupation, the main gate and the northeast bastion were built. When the port was expanded in the early 20th century, the southern part of the fortress was demolished.
Within the fortress of Chios there are numerous important buildings and structures from different times.
- Church of St. Georgius (Ágios Geórgios / Αγίος Γεωργίος) from the year 933 AD, was originally a Catholic church and was later used as a mosque (Eske Tzami)
- Krya Vrysi (Κρύα Βρύση), a semi-underground cistern from Byzantine times
- Giustiniani Palace (Παλατάκι του Ιουστινιάνι), the former palace of the Genoese Giustiniani family from the end of the 14th century, now houses a small museum. Byzantine frescoes from the church Panagia Krina (Παναγία Κρήνα) near Vavili from the 13th century as well as other early Christian and Byzantine icons and sculptures are exhibited.
- Porta Maggiore (Πόρτα Ματζόρε), the main gate was rebuilt during the brief Venetian occupation at the end of the 17th century and reinforced according to the requirements of the time. The lion of St. Mark and the name of Doge Silvestro Valier were placed above the gate .
- Zeno Tower (Πύργος Θήτα), the northeastern bastion built during the Venetian occupation, was named after the captain general of the Venetian fleet, Antonio Zeno .
- Turkish baths (Χαμάμ) from the 18th century
- Bairakli Mosque (Μπαϊρακλή Τζαμί), more rarely Chamidie Mosque (Χαμηδιέ Τζαμί), built in 1892 on the site of a former Genoese church
- Koulas (Κουλάς). The Turkish watchtower, made of ancient building material, is said to be the highest tower on the island. In contrast to the other towers, the Koulas has a semicircular floor plan.
- Turkish cemetery, important people from the period 1822–1890 were buried in the cemetery. Among them is the grave of the Turkish admiral Kara Ali, who was killed in an attack by Kanaris in 1822 . Elements from Turkish baroque and Greek folk art mix on the elaborately designed grave stelae.
- National Bank of Greece
The neoclassical building of the National Bank of Greece (Εθνική Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος) dates back to 1926 when the bank became a pure commercial bank. The three-story building with a raised foundation was specially designed to accommodate the National Bank on the ground floor and the director's office on the upper floor. By ministerial resolution, the building and the surrounding area were listed as a historical monument in 1986. Further extensions followed in 1994.
Cambos
The fertile plain of Kambos is located south of the city, covers about 20 km² and extends to the neighboring communities of Agios Minas and Kambochora. The area was already inhabited in Byzantine times. When the Genoese took control of the island in the 14th century, they built their country houses here. Later Greek merchants and the landed gentry followed. Due to the abundance of water, a rich residential and cultural landscape could develop. The stately furnished mansions with the associated land are surrounded by high walls. Orchards, mostly with lemon trees, were laid out behind the walls. In the earthquake of 1881, many buildings were damaged or destroyed, and most were rebuilt on the foundations. Many houses now serve as summer residences, while others have been converted into hotels. The municipality of Chios has owned the Mavrokordatiko estate since 1938, which was built in 1736 by the Mavrokordatos family; a hotel is housed there today. Some of the properties were designated as historical monuments by ministerial decree in 1992, and the entire area of Kambos was declared a cultural monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture.
traffic
Air traffic
The national island airport of Omiros (Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Χίου, Όμηρος) is located about 3 km south of the city center. Scheduled flights from Athens are operated by the Greek national airline Olympic Airways and Aegean Airlines . Olympic Airlines also offers direct flights from Lesbos , Samos , Rhodes and Thessaloniki .
Ferry traffic
Hellenic Seaways and NEL Lines offer daily direct connections from Piraeus . Regular connections exist to the neighboring islands and also to Çeşme in Turkey. In addition, connections are possible from Thessaloniki and Kavala in the north via Mytilini and Samos to Rhodes in the south.
Bus transport
The island's central bus station is located in the same building as the port's passenger terminal. The city has its own network of routes.
university
The Economics Department of the University of the Aegean (Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου) is in the city with the departments
housed.
Town twinning
Chios has partnerships with the following cities
Web links
- Chios city , German
- University official website , Greek
- Information about the places of the island of Chios , Greek
- Website on the history of Chios , English
- Illustration of the city 1588 in Civitates orbis terrarum by Georg Braun
Individual evidence
- ↑ Results of the 2011 census, Greek Statistical Office (ΕΛ.ΣΤΑΤ) ( Memento from June 27, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) (Excel document, 2.6 MB)
- ↑ Information from the NSDL about the earthquakes of April 3, 1881 and July 23, 1949 ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (English)
- ↑ site Korai Library and Argenti Folklore Museum
- ^ Website of the community's cultural center
- ↑ Dimos Avdeliodis, personal data and works, Greek ( page no longer available , search in web archives: PDF )
- ↑ Website of the theater, English, under construction ( Memento of the original from September 19, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ^ Website of the General Hospital of Chios
- ^ Archaeological Museum Chios, Greek Ministry of Culture ( Memento of October 10, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) (Greek)
- ^ Byzantine Museum Chios, website of the Greek Ministry of Culture
- ^ Website of the Maritime Museum
- ↑ Post on Myrovolos about Ioannis Despotopoulos and the former Municipal Bathhouse of Chios (now the Municipal Art Collection) 16 September 2006 at (Greek)
- ↑ Website of the municipal art collection, under construction ( Memento of the original from September 13, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ SS. Victores cathedral (Neugriechisch)
- ↑ SS. Victores cathedral (Neugriechisch)
- ↑ Basilica of St. Isidorus (modern Greek)
- ^ Chios Fortress, website of the Greek Ministry of Culture
- ↑ Giustiniani Palace (Greek)
- ↑ Koulas Tower - Πύργος του Κουλά ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (Greek)
- ↑ Mavrokordatiko website ( Memento of the original from September 6, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ^ Kambos, website of the Greek Ministry of Culture
- ↑ Chios Airport ( Memento of the original dated December 7, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
