Salamis Island
Salamis
Σαλαμίνα | |
---|---|
UTC+3 (EEST) | |
Postal code | 189 xx |
Area code(s) | 21 |
Vehicle registration | Y |
Website | www.salamina.gr |
Salamis (
Etymology
The traditional etymology of Salamis derives it from the eponymous
From at least the 13th century until the 19th century, the town, the island, and the bay of Salamis were called Koulouri (Κούλουρη),[4] because of its round shape (κόλουρο). The ancient name was revived in the 19th century.[5] The name Koulouri is still used informally for the town. The island is known in Arvanitika as Κȣλλȣρι ("Kulluri").
History
Salamis was probably first colonised by
According to Homer's Iliad, Salamis took part in the Trojan War with twelve ships under the leadership of Ajax (Aias).[8]
Salamis island is known for the
Arvanites were recorded among the inhabitants of the island in 1688. They lived in poverty as most of the Albanians in Greece at the time.[9]
During the German invasion of Greece in World War II, the harbor was bombed by the Luftwaffe on April 23, 1941, sinking the Greek battleships Kilkis and Lemnos.[11][12]
In the 1960s and 1970s, during the
An oil spill occurred off the coast of Salamis Island in September 2017.[15]
Geography
Salamina has an area of 93 km2 (36 sq mi); its highest point is Mavrovouni at 404 m (1,325 ft). A significant part of Salamina is rocky and mountainous. On the southern part of the island a pine forest is located, which is unusual for western Attica. This forest is often a target for fires.[14] While the inland inhabitants are mainly employed within the agricultural sector, the majority of Salamis' inhabitants work in maritime occupations (fishing, ferries, and the island's shipyards) or commute to work in Athens.[16][17] The maritime industry is focused on the north-east coast of the island at the port of Paloukia (Παλούκια), where ferries to mainland Greece are based, and in the dockyards of Ampelakia and the north side of the Kynosoura peninsula.
Salamina is very popular for holiday and weekend visits from Athens mainland; its population rises to 300,000 in peak season of which c. 31,000 are permanent inhabitants.
Climate
According to the meteorological station of the
Climate data for Salamina | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 25.9 (78.6) |
21.4 (70.5) |
24.9 (76.8) |
32.4 (90.3) |
34.6 (94.3) |
39.3 (102.7) |
41.6 (106.9) |
43.9 (111.0) |
37.1 (98.8) |
31.9 (89.4) |
30.8 (87.4) |
22.5 (72.5) |
43.9 (111.0) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 14.3 (57.7) |
15.9 (60.6) |
18.1 (64.6) |
21.9 (71.4) |
27.0 (80.6) |
32.0 (89.6) |
35.3 (95.5) |
35.1 (95.2) |
30.3 (86.5) |
25.1 (77.2) |
20.5 (68.9) |
16.2 (61.2) |
24.3 (75.8) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 11.0 (51.8) |
12.3 (54.1) |
14.1 (57.4) |
17.3 (63.1) |
22.2 (72.0) |
26.9 (80.4) |
30.2 (86.4) |
30.3 (86.5) |
26.0 (78.8) |
21.4 (70.5) |
17.2 (63.0) |
13.2 (55.8) |
20.2 (68.3) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 7.8 (46.0) |
8.8 (47.8) |
10.1 (50.2) |
12.8 (55.0) |
17.4 (63.3) |
21.8 (71.2) |
25.0 (77.0) |
25.4 (77.7) |
21.7 (71.1) |
17.6 (63.7) |
13.9 (57.0) |
10.1 (50.2) |
16.0 (60.9) |
Record low °C (°F) | −1.0 (30.2) |
0.5 (32.9) |
0.9 (33.6) |
4.9 (40.8) |
11.9 (53.4) |
15.4 (59.7) |
19.2 (66.6) |
20.6 (69.1) |
14.8 (58.6) |
9.9 (49.8) |
6.5 (43.7) |
2.7 (36.9) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 54.4 (2.14) |
30.1 (1.19) |
26.4 (1.04) |
21.3 (0.84) |
12.8 (0.50) |
21.6 (0.85) |
3.9 (0.15) |
2.7 (0.11) |
28.8 (1.13) |
24.8 (0.98) |
59.6 (2.35) |
50.9 (2.00) |
337.3 (13.28) |
Source 1: National Observatory of Athens and Harokopio University (Jun 2016 - Mar 2024), [19][20] | |||||||||||||
Source 2: World Meteorological Organization[21] |
Municipality
Salamina Island belongs to the
- Salamina
- Ampelakia
In the municipal unit of Salamina, which has a land area of 80.992 km2 (31.271 sq mi)[23] and a 2011 census population of 31,776, the chief population centre is the city of Salamina (also called Salamis, Salamis City or Koulouris, pop. 25,888 in 2011), consisting of the districts Alonia, Agios Minas, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos, Boskos, Nea Salamina, Tsami and Vourkari.[citation needed] Its second-largest town is Aiánteio (pop. 5,888). In the municipal unit of Ampelakia, which has a land area of 15.169 km2 (5.857 sq mi)[23] and a population of 7,507, the largest towns are Ampelakia (pop. 4,998) and Selinia (2,509).
Population
As of the mid-20th century, the majority of the inhabitants were
Year | Salamina (town) | Salamina (municipal unit) | Salamis (island) |
---|---|---|---|
1981 | 20,807 | 25,215 | 30,402 |
1991 | 22,567 | 27,582 | 34,342 |
2001 | 25,730 | 30,962 | 38,022 |
2011 | 25,888 | 31,776 | 39,283 |
2021 | 24,997 | 30,235 | 37,220 |
Villages in the municipal unit of Salamina
Paloukia
Paloukia (Greek: Παλούκια) is located in the northeast of the island. Many ferryboats, fishing vessels and port police craft dock in this harbor. Paloukia is the base for the port police department of Salamina. Most visitors who come to Salamina first arrive at Paloukia via ferryboats that run between Paloukia and Perama or Piraeus.
The area is adjacent to the Salamis Naval Base (in Greek Nafstathmos), which is a major base of the Hellenic Navy.
Aianteio
Aianteio (Αιάντειο; population 4,390 as of 2021)[1] is a large village in the southwestern part of Salamis Island and is named after Ajax, the leader of the Salamineans from Homer's Iliad. The village was known as Moulki (Μούλκι) until 1915.[25] In the region, there are churches from the 11th and 12th centuries such as Saint John and Saint Dimitrios.
Interesting places to visit are:
- the oldest church in the island, Saint John the "Kalyvitis", which dates back to the 10th century and has remarkable hagiographies
- the monastery of Saint Nicolas which dates back to the 18th century and is situated in a forest.
Batsi
Batsi (Μπατσί; pop. 172)[1] is a little community in the north of Salamis, in the municipality of Salamis, located at the foot of a piney mountain, about six to eight kilometres (3+1⁄2–5 mi) east of Megara.
In the mountain, there is a cave of archeological interest that has not been investigated yet. In the winter there are few tourists; it is more popular with vacationers from Athens during the summer months.
Kaki Vigla
Kaki Vigla (Κακή Βίγλα) is a small community located at the south of Salamis Island, near Aianteio.
The beaches of Kaki Vigla are relatively clean and the area has pine and olive trees near the shore.
Agios Georgios
A new village, founded in 1960.
Peristeria
Peristeria (Περιστέρια; pop. 191)[1] is a small village in the southeast of the island 45 km (28 mi) from Salamis City. It took its name from the bird of peace, the dove (Greek: περιστέρι), because it is a calm, peaceful and isolated place, away from the cars and from noise. Another interpretation says that its name may be derived from the doves which were living and had nests in the area.
The area has a marina, which has yachts and fishing boats. The beaches of Peristeria are the cleanest of Salamis. The village is near the Cave of Euripides, associated with the famous ancient playwright.
Psili Ammos
Psili Ammos (Ψιλή Άμμος), which means Fine Sand is so named because it is covered with sand. The area is located at the northwest of the island opposite of Elefsina. In the area there is one of the oldest landmarks, the chantry of Saint Grigorios (Saint Gregory).
Steno
Steno (Στενό, lit. 'narrow'; pop. 239),[1] is a small community in the northwest of Salamis Island. The area is separated from Fanaromeni Monastery by a hill with shrubs and pine trees. The area is adjacent to the bay of Agios Georgios. Steno has wide and well-planned roads.
Vasilika
Vasilika (Βασιλικά) which means Royal is a big village located in the northwest of the island. Vasilika is the third largest area in Salamis by population after Salamis City and Aianteio. Vasilika has a sandy large beach apt for swimming.
Xeno
Xeno (Ξένο, lit. 'foreign') is located in the northwest corner of the island. The area was so named because the first residents were not from Salamis but from nearby Piraeus.
Villages in the municipal unit of Ampelakia
Kynosoura
Kynosoura (Κυνόσουρα, lit. 'dog's tail'; pop. 58)[1] is a small peninsula located in the east of the island. The name probably comes from the shape of the peninsula, long and thin and pointed at the end. In the south are a few houses. In the north are the remains of an ancient tumulus thought to be the burial site of Greek warriors in the Battle of Salamis. Nearby is a dockyard, which constructs and fixes ships including oil tankers and containers.
Selinia
Selinia (Σελήνια; pop. 2,376)[1] is a resort located a few kilometers southeast of Salamis city. Selinia is the weekend resort of many Athenians due to its proximity to Athens. Selinia also features restaurants and taverns.
Culture
Education
Salamis island has eleven primary schools (ten public and one private), four high schools, and four lycees. The majority of students are proficient in school, and the pupils (above 13 years) usually have acquired diplomas and certificates in English, in French, or in German such as ECCE,
Recreational areas
In Salamis Bay, a visitor can find many bars, cafeterias, beaches, and shops. The main cafeterias and bars are based in Agios Nikolaos, which is located in the western suburbs of Salamis city. The district is named for the church. Taverns and inns, which are located throughout the island, feature local food and dishes. The shops—which sell appliances, computers, clothing, souvenirs, and vehicles—are opened from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays; from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Clubs, activities and organizations
The cultural activities that take place and the cultural organizations that operate in Salamina include: a Museum of Folklore Art and History, a Public Municipal Library, a Drama Club "Euripides" and a Dance Group "Erevna". Also, regional, traditional and seasonal festivals are organized throughout the year, indicatively: the Annual Festival, "Salaminia" (to commemorate the Naval Battle of Salamis), the "Fisherman's Festival" and the Carnival.
Sports
Salamis island has four football teams: Aias (Ajax) Salaminas, Ampelakiakos F.C., A.E. Salaminas and Salaminomachoi. In 2019 the Nautical Club "AGIOS NIKOLAOS" Yalas, became the Champion Sprint Canoeing Club of Greece, during the 23rd Greek National Development Sprint Canoeing Championship, winning 4 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals.
Local newspapers and magazines
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Source:[26]
Landmarks
Landmark | Year of construction | Location |
---|---|---|
Faneromeni Monastery | 15th century | Faneromeni |
Chantry of Saint George | 1250 | Agios Georgios |
Mycenaean city of Salamis | 13th century BC | Kanakia |
Ancient city and port of Salamis | 5th – 1st centuries BC | Ampelakia |
Fighters tomb of the naval Battle of Salamis | 5th century BC | Ampelakia, Kynosoura |
Circular funerary | 4th century BC | Kolones |
Euripideio Theatre | 1993 | in suburbs of Salamis City (in hill Patris) |
Church of Saint Dimitrios | 1806 | center of Salamis City (in hononymous district) |
The Cave of Euripides |
450 BC | at south Salamis Island (near Peristeria) |
The Cottage of Angelos Sikelianos | 1935 | Faneromeni |
The Stone Lighthouse | 1901 | Peristeria |
The bust of Georgios Karaiskakis | 1982 | center of Salamis City (in Vourkari district) |
The Windmills | 19th century | in suburbs of Salamis City (in a hill) |
Chantry of Prophet Elias | early 20th century | Salamis City (in a stone hill) |
Chantry of Saint Grygorios | 12th century | Psili Ammos |
The Stony small Theater | 1990 | Selinia |
The City Hall of Salamis | 2000 | Salamis City |
The Monastery of Saint Nicolaos | 17th century | at south Salamis Island (near Kanakia) |
The Church of Saint John the Kalyvitis | 11th century | at south Salamis Island (near Kanakia) |
The Folklore Museum | 2000 | lodging at Salamis City Hall |
Archaeological museum of Salamis | 2013 | Salamis City |
The Mansion of Galeos Family | 19th century | at Salamis center (at Agios Minas district) |
The Church of Saint Minas | 1869 | at Salamis City (at Agios Minas district) |
Notable people
Mythological and ancient people
- Ajax the Great, the legendary king of Salamis island, son of Telamon and half-brother of Teucer
- Cychreus, the first king of Salamis Island
- Euripides, tragedian (480 BC – 406 BC)
- Moerocles, orator (4th century BC)
- Telamon, the king of Salamis Island, father of Ajax the Great and Teucer
- Teucer, the half-brother of Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, warrior of Trojan War, and founder of the city-state of Salamis, Cyprus.
Modern people
- Georgios Karaiskakis (c. 1780–1827), Greek War of Independence hero, is buried on Salamis.
- Polychronis Lempesis(1848–1913), painter
- Anastas Kullurioti, publisher
- Theodoros Pangalos (general)
- Dimitrios Mpogris(1890–1964), playwright
- Giorgos Papasideris (1902–1977), country singer, composer and lyricist
- Angelos Sikelianos (1884–1951), poet and playwright, whose cottage was near the Monastery of Faneromeni.
- Memos Mpegnis (1974- ), actor
- Dimitra Fimi (1978-), academic and writer
Twin towns / sister cities
Salamis Island is
Gallery
-
Kaki Vigla beach
-
Kaki Vigla beach
-
Kaki Vigla Gulf
-
The historic monastery of Faneromeni
-
Nicolas Lemonia monastery 17th century AD, on the road between the villages Aianteio and Kanakia
-
Kanakia beach
See also
- Trojan War
- Greek Revolution
- Aeacus
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-87436-507-8.
- ^ Martin Bernal, Black Athena, p. 492
- ^ William Miller, The Latins in the Levant, a history of Frankish Greece (1204–1566), New York, 1908, p. 18
- ^ Peter Mackridge, Language and National Identity in Greece, 1766-1976, Oxford University Press, 2010, p. 22
- ^ "Salamis", Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World, Ed. John Roberts. Oxford University Press, 2007.
- ^ Rossiter, Stuart; Benn, Ernest (1981). Greece – Blue Guide series.
- ^ Homer. The Iliad.
- ^ International Journal of the Sociology of Language. Mouton. 1974. p. 66.
- ^ "salamis". Archived from the original on January 3, 2008.
- ^ "Kilkis (Battleship, 1914–1941)". Naval Historical Center. Archived from the original on October 16, 2012.
- ^ "Lemnos (Battleship, 1914–1941)". Naval Historical Center. Archived from the original on July 6, 2014.
- ^ "One-sixth of houses are for vacation use". Kathimerini. April 19, 2006. Archived from the original on March 18, 2008.
- ^ a b c Polyxeni Athanassoulia (September 7, 2006). "Salamina, so near yet so unknown". Kathimerini. Archived from the original on March 18, 2008.
- Independent.co.uk. 13 September 2017.
- Howstuffworks. Archived from the originalon March 11, 2008.
- ^ "Salamis official website". Archived from the original on February 22, 2009.
- ^ "Salamina" (in Greek). Anatropes. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010.
- ^ "Monthly Bulletins". www.meteo.gr.
- ^ "Ο καιρός στη Σαλαμίνα - Weather conditions in Salamina".
- ^ "World Meteorological Organization". Retrieved 14 July 2023.
- ^ "ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text" (in Greek). Government Gazette.
- ^ a b "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece.
- ^ Jochalas, Titos P. (1971): Über die Einwanderung der Albaner in Griechenland: Eine zusammenfassene Betrachtung ["On the immigration of Albanians to Greece: A summary"]. München: Trofenik.
- ^ "Name changes of settlements in Greece".
- ^ Εφημερίδες & Περιοδικά (in Greek). Archived from the original on 30 April 2009.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2012) |
External links
- Official website of Municipality of Salamina (in English and Greek)