Επιστροφή στην Αρχική σελίδα

Landmark

The old town in Ampelakia

Not far from the Tomb of the fighters of Salamina, almost 2 km to the northwest, lies the city of Ampelakia, capital of the island in classical times, with a great economic boom, as evidenced by the wealth of finds in its cemetery. From a large number of tombstones of Pentelic marble stands out one depicting a young actor holding a theatrical mask. This is a rare depiction, betraying a serpentine workshop. Today it is in the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus. The excavation research of the competent Ephorate of Antiquities identified part of the wall of the ancient city and remains of it, including the ancient port, in which the Naval Battle of Salamis unfolded. The ancient and the old and the modern city coexist harmoniously, illustrating the historical continuity of the place. Touring the narrow-cobbled streets of the city's Old Market is a unique experience. Among the mansions of the beginning of the last century, the house of Kaloyannaia occupies a special place. On its doorstep was found in 1898, and handed over to Stefanos Dragoumis by the owners, a marble slab from the tomb of the Corinthian Salaminomachians with an elegiac epigram by the poet Simonides. Included in the tour are characteristic examples of the newer architecture of the Argosaronic period, low and two-story Athenian-style houses (long and narrow gamma-shaped structures with a common courtyard) and Christian temples with integrated ancient building material (Entrances of the Virgin, Agios Petros, Agios Ioannis). This point of interest is plain and urban. Suitable Visiting Season: All year round. It is not accessible by public transport. There is no cost or ticket. Visiting hours: Free. Source of photographic material: archaiologia.gr