Pythagorion - Samos

Pythagorion

Pythagorion is the oldest place of Samos. The history of this village goes very far back in time to the ancient Greeks, when Pythagorion was still the capital of this island. At that time, before Christ more than 500 years, the city had about 25,000 inhabitants. Many relics of that time can still be found today, like the tunnel of Eupalinus, a amphittheather and at the top of the hills are still remnants of the old city walls. The harbor from the village dates back to that time. Along the port now you find plenty of taverns, restaurants and bars.

Polycrates
The heyday of Samos and Pythagorion was around 500 before Christ. Polycrates a great ruler (and tyrant) built a large port for its navy, running water for the city by aqueduct Eupalinus and the temple of Hera (Herion). He strengthened to reorganize the economy through agriculture. The old name of Pythagorion was Tigani. By maintaining the strong naval fleet, he had a powerful naval forces for the standards at that time, as he did to the right of passage by buying off its waters and enforce tax from neighboring areas. So Samos became the center of a nation which became richer and more powerful. But his greed was his end.

Pythagoras
The great philosopher and scholar Pythagoras also comes from this island. On the pier head stands a statue of Pythagoras which portrays the famous Pythagorean theorem. Pythagoras Did not agree with the rules of Polycrates and would have fled, according to tradition to the cave in the Kerkis mountains, better known as the Pythagoras cave.

Pythagorion today
Pythagorion today is a bustling tourist town with many characteristics of antiquity. The port is now a collection of taverns, bars and terraces on the one hand and fishing boats and (sail) boats from passers-by on the other side. Pythagorion know, like the rest of the island barely large resorts, almost all are small-scale accommodation so it is not a super touristy place, and the authentic character has been preserved. Many archaeological excavations characterize this village.
Pythagorion has next to the pier east of the port a nice beach. Further there is a long stretched beach in Potokaki that extends almost to Ireon. This beach consists of gravel and thereto are also some accommodations which established Doryssa Bay Resort is the largest.

An eye-catching building is the Metamorphosis-church built in 1824 commemorating the salvation of the island from the Turkish invasion. Next to the church, the Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis preserved built in defense of the fighters of the Greek Revolution. You will also find a museum with archaeological finds in Pythagorion. Outside the village you will find in the direction of Chora further archaeological excavations. Including parts of the city wall that runs from the top of the hill all the way down to the sea. These walls stood as a kind of semi-circle around the city.

Pythagorion is built against a hill and therefore it has steep narrow streets and alleys. In addition to the two main roads, the road towards Samos town and the main street with all shops, Pythagorion has a fine network of tiny streets and steep stairs. Often these streets feature paintings, and then you come back to a small square with a few taverns. It is a lovely place to stay. We are therefore happy and have good contact with some local people.