Chios (Greek: Χίος) is the main town on the Aegean island of Chios, in eastern Greece. It is located on the eastern coast of the island facing the coast of Turkey and the town of Çeşme. The town has a population of 32,000 and is the administrative capital and main port of both the island and of the prefecture of Chios. Chios town also constitutes the one and only municipal district within the "Municipality of Chios", one of eight municipalities on the island.
The city is often locally referred to as "Chora" (literally meaning "town") or "Kastro" to distinguish it from the entirely of the island with which it shares the name.
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 walled town had been further fortified by successive 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. 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.
North of Chios lies the suburb of Vrondathos, while the Chios Island National Airport lies a few kilometres south of the centre.
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Last updated on Sunday July 13, 2008 at 17:49:12 PDT (GMT -0700)
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