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SAMOS. Samos, one of the most easterly Aegean islands just a stone' s throw
from the coast of Asia Minor, is renowned for its wines, particularly for the
white muscat wine found nowhere else. The birthplace of many philosophers and
mathematicians of antiquity, such as Epikouros, Aristarchces, Pythagoras and
others, Samos delights today's visitors with its lush greenery, varied landscapes
and
fascinating archaeological sites. Among the island's first inhabitants were
Pelasgians, who establishes the worship of the goddess Hera on Samos. Samos reached
its greatest
prosperity during the reign of the tyrant Polycrates, becoming one of the most
powerful city-states of Ionia, dominating the seas with its famous samaines,
boats with five tiers of oarsmen.
Click on the pictures to enlarge:
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Samos.
Photo: Paul Jansen |
The capital, Samos Town or Vathi, is built on the verdant
slopes that surround the island's deepebay. It has
retained its individual appearance, with its attractive
neoclassical
houses, old mansions with pastel facade. The town
boasts two major museums: the Archaeological Museum
with displays
of ancient sculptures. Including the celebrated Kouros
of Samos, vases and objects from the Geometric and
Archaic ers, most of which were found at the Heraion
(sanctuary
of Hera), the island's chief ancient site: and the
Byzantine Museum with heirlooms from Samian monasteries |
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From Vathi, if you take the road heading south, your first
stop will be Pithagorio (familiarly known as Tigani,
14 km.), a small, picturesque port occupying the site
of the ancient capital. The present-day jetty has been
constructed on top of the ancient foundations. The
area abounds important ruins: the Polycrates Wall (2nd
half 6th century B.C.) the ancient Theatre and the
famous Eupalinos Tunnel, a technical marvel dating
to the 6th century B.C., which used to supply the town
with water. The small archaeological museum houses
local finds. To the right of the port the castle of
LycourgosLogothetis can be seen on the ruins atop a
hillock. This 19th century edifice most probably rests
on the ruins of the former acropolis. Within its walls
are two Roman colonnades as well as the remains of
Early Christian churches.
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Not far from Pithagorio is the archaeological site of
Heraion, with its sanctuary to Hera of Samos, one
of the biggest
of antiquity. Within its precincts, where tradition
maintained that the goddess was born and raised,
are the ruins of
a temple dedicated in her honour, Hellenistic and Roman
buildings and even part of an early Christian basilica.
Karlovassi, on the north coast of the island, is its
second largest harbour, composed of three districts,
Old, New and Middle Karlovassi. Here too you will find
imposing neoclassical houses, reminders of earlier
prosperous times, while 2 kilometres away bathers
will love the sandy
beach of Potami, rimmed with luxuriant greenery. The
drive between Samos and Karlovassi runs along the magical
coastline, cutting through riotous vegetation and picturesque
villages.
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Samos, Kokkari
Photo:
Renée Mof, Amsterdam. |
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Six kilometres south of Karlovassi, set in marvelous surroundings,
is the village of Marathokambos, which acts as a "balcony" over
the island's southern beaches and has both old churches and caves
to explore. Still further south is the tiny harbour of Ormos,
good for fishing and swimming, while beyond it lies a string
of lovely beaches- Votsalakia, Hrissi Amos, Ai Giannis Eleimonas.
If you return to Samos town by the inland road, you will come
to the village of Mitilini, a market centre for the island: Here
there is a very interesting paleontological museum filled with
the fossilized remains of early horned beasts, mammoths and carnivores.
The island is well endowed with facilities of all kinds for tourists. Accommodation
possibilities range from luxury hotels to family-style pensions and camping sites.
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