Koraes Library

The Koraes Library is Chios’ central public library. A historic institution whose history goes back to 1792, it is one of the oldest and biggest libraries in Greece. Originally, the library was an annex to the Great School of Chios. Its first collection consisted of books belonging to Adamantios Koraes and other Greek intellectuals from abroad. Following the destruction of the library during the massacre of Chios in 1822, Koraes sent more books to help rebuild its collection. In 1833, Adamantios Koraes passed away. His will stipulated that a considerable portion of his book and manuscript collection be sent to Chios.

In 1881, a devastating earthquake hit the island of Chios. Given the extent of the damage, a decision was made to house the library in its current building. In 1948, Philip Argenti financed the construction of the library’s second floor. Between 1975 and 1978, the building was expanded and modernized in order to house the Argenti folklore collection. Over the years, the library has managed to acquire priceless books, manuscripts, periodicals, newspapers, paintings, coins, maps and other items of great value through donations by eminent intellectuals.

One of the library’s most valuable treasures is the Description de l’Égypte, a series of 14 illustrated volumes, published between 1809 and 1822, donated by Napoleon in honour of Adamantios Koraes.

Born in 1748, Adamantios Koraes studied medicine at Montpellier in France and moved to Paris in 1788. Koraes never practiced medicine. Instead, he became a brilliant philologist and one of the intellectual instigators of the 1821 Greek Revolution. His motherland, which was under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire, and his beloved Chios were constantly on his mind.

Opening Hours:

Library

Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm

Friday evening 5 pm to 8 pm

Saturday 9 am to 2 pm

Circulation Desk

Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm

Friday evening 5 pm to 8 pm

Saturday 9 am to 2 pm

Chios Archeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Chios constructed in 1966-1971 and covers a total area of 2500 square metres.1200 square metres of floor space is occupied by the exhibitions.

The museum underwent renovation in 1998 and reopened in November 1999 and features a collection of antiquities from the Neolithic Era up to the Roman times excavated at the ancient sites of Emporio, Fana, Dotia, Agio Gals and Chios Town. Many of the artefacts unearthed at the sites were dug by the British School of Archaeology.

The periodical exhibition is housed on the third floor and is named “Psara in Antiquity”. It contains artefacts such as vases, gold jewellery, terracotta figurines and funeral gift items. The Psara collection was found at the Mycenaean Necropolis of Archontiki on Psara Island. Of major note is a prehistoric vase found in Emporio, dated back to the 14th century B.C., geometric amphoras found in the town of Chios, dated to the 8th century B.C. and golden leaves unearthed in a grave at the town of Chios, dated back to the Hellenistic period.

Address: Michalon, Chios, Greece

Working days-hours: open: daily, 8:30-15:00 (winter), Mondays closed

Working days-hours: open: daily, 08:00-15:00 (summer), Mondays closed

General Admission: 2€

Tel: +302271044239

Chios Bikeride

Unveil Kambos’ secrets.
Every Wednesday and Friday we ride our bikes scrolling around the history and the essence of Kambos, Chios. Reserve one of our bikes and call us to arrange a round trip transfer from/to your hotel. Ride ends with a traditional Greek “meze” dinner.
Limited groups, English speaking ride with appointment only!

call us: +30 6947 315 709

email us: info [at] realchios.gr

http://ChiosBikeRide.realchios.gr