Samos (town)


Samos is a port town on the island of Samos in Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit of Samos and of the municipality of East Samos. It is also known by its old name of Vathy, though this now usually refers to the old hillside suburb of Ano Vathy.

History

The town of Samos was built in the middle of 18th century as the port of Vathy. At first, there were only depots for the necessities of the trade. Samos town was initially named Kato Vathy or Limenas Vatheos. The current name was given in 1958 when it combined with Ano Vathy on the hillside above the port.
During the 19th century, Samos town became the administrative centre of the island. At that time, its population increased. After the union of Samos with Greece, Samos town remained the administrative centre of the island, as well as becoming the capital of the modern municipality of East Samos.

Description

Samos town spreads from the coast at the port of Vathy up to the hillside neighbourhood of Ano Vathy. Its houses are built in an amphitheatrical formation around the bay. In front of the settlement is the port with a wharf more than 150 meters in length. Notable buildings in Samos are the old churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Spiridon, the town hall, the archaeological museum and two statues.