Explore Amarynthos
Amarynthos (or Vathia as it is called by its local residence), is a coastal town of central Evia, on the South Evian Gulf, 30 kms from Chalkida and 9 km from Eretria, opposite to Kalamos, Attica.
It actually is the coastal district of Ano Vathia, a village not far from northeast of Amarynthos. It’s built on a plain, between Olympus and Kotilea mountains with a population of 5.000 inhabitants.
Additionally, it’s the capital of Amarynthos municipality, the population of which amounts to 8.000 inhabitants on a surface of 109,9 km².
HISTORY
Amarynthos and Eretria, are historically the most important places of Evia, with a history of thousands of years. Lots of historians, nowadays, regard that Eretria of Mycenaean era, was originally situated, where Amarynthos is built today. According to archeological findings, curing the Neolithic Age (6.000-3.000 B.C.), a permanent settlement took place in Amarynthos. Also during the early Bronze Age (3.000-2.100 B.C.), Amarynthos, constituted one of the most significant prehistoric port, on the island of Evia.
Amarynthos had developed trade relations with the Aegean islands, as Cycladic findings were discovered in the area. During the Mid-Greek period (2.000-1.650 B.C.), the city seemed to have close trade relations with Continental Greece and produced excellent samples of the Minian architecture. During the early Late Greek period, Amarynthos was one of the most important areas in Evia, while its name is also mentioned on Linear B columns. Apart from trade people then, used to be in agriculture, stock-farming, fishing and coppering.
On the plain, there used to be a worship site of goddess Artemis, the temple of who was later excavated (1987 – 1990). The ancient settlement and the setter of it are now exhibited in Eretria museum.
SIGHTS
Amarynthos is popular for its nice beaches, picturesque taverns and because of its short distance from Athens, is a preferable choice for a trip. It also attracts lots of Greek and foreign tourists during the summer months, while a lot of people visit the area for a tour around Skotini platean. One of the nicest monuments of Amarynthos is the Cathredal church of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary, which is built with chiseled stone, including a perfectly made marble iconostasis and ingenious religious painting, dating back to the Byzantine era.
An admirable place to visit is the Holy Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, built in the 12th century, with rare religious paintings, situated at an altitude of 500 meters, on Kotilea Mountain's forest.
On Paleochora hill, you can find the little church of assumption (Panagitsa), built in the 11th-12th century, on the ruins of a pre-Christian temple (Perhaps a temple of Apollon) next to Neolithic settlement ruins. On the way to the hill, there is also a small church of the transfiguration
The folk museum of Amarynthos is also a tourist attraction since it facilitates and exhibits old tools of the inhabitants’ occupations, while handmade crafts and loom handicrafts can also be found. One kilometer, to the west of Amarynthos, you can see Macedonian tomb of the Hellenistic era, discovered in 1897, of a square shape including two death beds.
By reaching the mountain villages with destination the village of Gimno, someone can see the Venetian tower, whereas in the picturesque village of Setta you can visit the vyzantian church of Panagia Abadiotissa.
Further out from Setta, a small outdoor theatre built by the actor Nikos Papakonstantinou, is situated. Remarkable plays take place there, during the summer season.
We should also mention the very recent discovery, of a very interesting and of exceptionally noteworthy detonation cave, nearby Setta.
USEFUL PHONES
Municipility of Amarynthos – 22290-37790, 22290-36275
Police Department – 22290-37333
KTEL – Bus company – 22290-38991
Country Doctor – 22290-36222
TAXI – 22290-36411
