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Chios Town (Χίος), also called Chora (Χώρα) or sometimes Kastro (Κάστρο), is the capital of Chios, Greece, and the main city on the island. There are several points of interest and historic sites, along with a beautiful harbor lined with restaurants and cafés that are full of life day and night.
The Kastro district within Chios Castle is the historic settlement of Chios and was the Ottoman quarter of the city during their rule. That area is covered in a separate post.
Municipal Garden
Outside of the castle is the Municipal Garden of Chios, or Kipos. In the center is a monument to Konstantinos Kanaris, the local hero of the Greek Revolution, who in 1822 blew up the Ottoman flagship and killed the admiral of the Ottoman navy, Kara Ali, in the process. The Kipos is a nice place to sit and relax. Across the street to the north is a large Ottoman fountain.
At one end of the Kipos is a large open square. At the south end are several cafes and the pedestrian shopping street of Aplotarias. You can find clothes, souvenirs, local products, toys, and just about anything you are looking for on this street and it’s arteries.
Public Art Gallery of Chios
The Public Art Gallery of Chios is also near the square. It’s housed in the former Municipal Baths, built in 1939. The building served as a bath until the late 1970s and was converted into the art gallery in 1984. It’s temporarily closed to the public (as of July 2024).
Byzantine Museum
You can find the Byzantine Museum just east of the square. It’s housed in the former Ottoman Mecidiye Mosque (Mecidiye Camii). Inside are several icons from Byzantine churches in Chios. The most impressive are from Panagia Krina, which should also be visited in person to fully appreciate the iconography and history. The features of the mosque, including the minbar, are still intact.
From April 1 through October 31, admission is at the full rate of €4, and from November 1 through March 31, admission is at a 50% reduced rate of €2 (as of July 2024). Upon presentation of a passport or valid travel document: all visitors up to the age of 5 and EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted free of charge; and EU seniors over age 65 and non-EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted at the 50% reduced rate (summer months only). The museum is open daily except Tuesdays.
Koraes Library
The Koraes Library is one of the biggest and oldest libraries in Greece, dating back to 1792. It was founded by Adamantios Korais (1748-1833), who donated the initial collection. It even includes a series of illustrations of Egypt donated by Napoleon in honor of Korais. Inside the library is the Argenti Museum, which contains several folkloric items, traditional costumes, and paintings of prominent families of Chios. Admission to the galleries is €4 (as of April 2024). It’s open Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm. Outside the library is a statue of Korais.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Next to the library is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Chios. The original church was built in 1838 but it was destroyed in a devastating 1881 earthquake. The current church was built in 1888.
Chios Archaeological Museum
The Chios Archaeological Museum is near the southern end of the harbor. It features a great collection of items found in digs on Chios and the nearby island of Psara. Among the most interesting pieces is a letter from Alexander the Great to the Chians. The museum is currently closed for renovation (as of July 2024).
University of the Aegean
Nearby is the Chios campus of the University of the Aegean. The university is spread over several islands with the main campus located in Lesbos. It doesn’t look very inviting with the disgraceful graffiti on the gates, but there’s a nice garden inside.
Chios Nautical Museum
One museum I didn’t have time for was the Chios Nautical Museum. It chronicles the history of shipping in Chios and the island’s maritime tradition. The building is a 19th century mansion donated by the Pateras shipping family in 1991. The museum is open daily except Sundays and admission is €3 (as of July 2024).
Windmills
Finally, there are four traditional windmills that jut out into the Aegean Sea on a small jetty. They were built in the late 19th century and are located 1.5 km north of Chios Town on the road to Vrontados.
If you’re driving through the area or feel like walking from Chios Town, it’s worth stopping at these windmills. They’re an important symbol and they make for one of the most picturesque scenes on the island. There are also some restaurants nearby where you can have a meal next to the sea.
Relaxation
All of those attractions are great, but my absolute favorite thing to do in Chios Town is to sit at a café on the harbor, sip on a frappe, watch people walk by, talk with friends, and pass the time away.
