Chora of Samos

🏘️ Community of Chora of Samos

Chora is located in the southeastern part of Samos, about 3 kilometers northwest of Pythagoreio and 17 kilometers from the town of Samos. Built at the edge of the fertile plain that shares its name, it is one of the most historic and agriculturally rich settlements on the island.

📍 Until 1854, Chora served as the island’s capital and remained for decades a key political and administrative hub. Today, it has around 1,500 residents and retains its traditional character, with neoclassical houses, cobbled lanes, and flower-filled courtyards.

🏛️ Sights & Points of Interest

• 🕍 The old Metropolitan Church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, stands at the heart of the village and is an important ecclesiastical monument of the 19th century.

• 💧 The stone fountains and washhouses at Platanos and Mesaki reflect the daily life of past generations and the importance of water in rural communities.

• 🏺 The Mesaki cistern, built in 1870, is a notable piece of infrastructure that once served the village’s water needs.

• 🌿 The plain of Chora, rich in olive trees and vineyards, still supports strong agricultural activity.

🎭 Culture & Events

Chora is home to vibrant cultural life, with traditional festivals and community celebrations. The most prominent event is the Feast of the Holy Cross every September, featuring local music, dancing, food, and plenty of Samian wine. The local cultural association also organizes performances, folk events, and national commemorations.

🧀 Local Products

Chora and its surrounding plain are known for:

• 🍷 The renowned Samian Muscat wine

• 🫒 High-quality olive oil

• 🧀 Local mizithra cheese, other dairy products and handmade pasta

• 🍅 Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and homemade preserves

🚶‍♂️ Nature & Walking Routes

Thanks to its location, Chora is an ideal starting point for:

• 🌄 Hiking trails through the plain, towards Pythagoreio and nearby villages

• 🏞️ Exploration of paths leading to Mount Mykale and hidden southern beaches

• 🚗 Easy access to the airport, the southern coastline and the area’s many byzantine chapels

🕰️ The Transfer of the Capital

During the first two decades of the Principality of Samos (1834–1854), Chora remained the island’s official capital. However, governing from there proved difficult due to the lack of roads, administrative buildings, and infrastructure.

📜 Early considerations

As early as 1835, under the rule of Stefanos Vogoridis, there were discussions about relocating the capital to the Port of Vathy and renaming it “Stefanoupoli” in his honor. This proposal was supported by the Fourth General Assembly, and the administration temporarily settled in Vathy, ignoring Chora.

However, the plan was abandoned after Vogoridis lost power, and in March 1841, the representatives’ assembly voted unanimously to keep Chora as the capital.

🏺 Tiganio: The ancient alternative

Shortly afterward, Governor Georgios Konemenos advocated for moving the capital to Tiganio, the site of ancient Samos, one of the most prominent cities in classical Ionia. In 1851, under his leadership, the General Assembly voted to designate Tiganio as the seat of government, citing better climate, infrastructure, and accessibility compared to both Chora and Vathy.

⚓ Gikas & the rise of Vathy

Despite the official vote, the new governor Ioannis Gikas quickly turned his attention to Vathy’s port, believing it offered the best natural harbor for the island. He was supported by Gregory Louis-Mark, the British consul and a wealthy merchant on Samos.

As a result, in May 1854, the capital of Samos was officially transferred to Vathy.

🏛️ Chora’s resistance

Even after the transfer, Chora continued to assert its right to be the capital. The new ruler, Miltiadis Aristarchis, successor to Gikas, sympathized with Chora and in May 1859 convened an assembly in the village, giving hope to locals who opposed the elevation of Vathy.

Yet, the matter remained unresolved. Both Chora and the Port of Vathy claimed the title of capital. While Gikas favored Vathy due to its harbor, a large part of the population continued to support Chora.

In November 1862, during another General Assembly held in Chora, Aristarchis expressed satisfaction with the improvements in Tiganio and suggested moving the capital there. His proposal, however, met strong resistance, and the views of powerful local figures ultimately prevailed. Thus, Vathy was officially and irrevocably declared the capital of Samos.

🏛️ Administrative changes after 1888

Over the following years, all public services were gradually relocated to Vathy. By 1888, the Principality’s government was permanently based there.

Chora became a second-class municipality, while the village of Tiganio, previously part of the Chora municipality, was declared an independent third-class municipality in 1890, by official decree.

📚 The long and politically charged transfer of the capital is a defining chapter in Samos’ modern history — and Chora, despite losing the official title, remains a symbol of the island’s administrative and cultural legacy.