Samos (town)

Samos Σάμος
Samos from Vathy.
Location
Samos
Coordinates	37°45′N 26°58′E / 37.750°N 26.967°E / 37.750; 26.967Coordinates: 37°45′N 26°58′E / 37.750°N 26.967°E / 37.750; 26.967
Government
Country:	Greece
Administrative region:	North Aegean
Regional unit:	Samos
Municipality:	Samos
Municipal unit:	Vathy
Population statistics (as of 2011)[1]
Community
- Population:	6,251
Other
Time zone:	EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation (min-max):	0–10 m ­(0–33 ft)
Postal code:	831 00
Telephone:	22730
Auto:	ΜΟ
Website
www.vathi.gr

Samos (Greek: Σάμος, before 1958: Λιμήν Βαθέος - Limin Vatheos^[2]) is a port town on the island of Samos in Greece. It is also known as Kato Vathy (Κάτω Βαθύ), referring to its location below Vathy. In 2011 it had a population of 6,251.^[1]

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 (meaning low Vathy) or Limenas Vatheos (meaning port of Vathy). Current name (Samos town) was given it in 1958. During 19th became the administration centre of the island.^[3] At that time, its population increased. After the union of Samos with Greece, Samos town remained the administration centre of the island, as well as it became the capital of the Samos Prefecture and the seat of the local municipality.

Historical population

Description

Samos town is on the coast, very close to Vathy. Its houses are built to amphitheatrically formation, around the bay. In front of the settlement is the port of Samos with wharf of more than 150 meters length.^[4] Notable buildings in Samos are the old churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Spiridon, the town hall and the two statues (the statue of Themistocles Sofoulis on the coastal road and the big lion statue on the central square).

References