Salamis on account of its strategic position in Athens’
“embrace”, was an “apple of discord” between the Athenians and
the Megarians in the historical period. The most important event
in the island’s past was the naval battle fought in its straits,
between the Greek and the Persian fleet during the Persian Wars
(480 BC), in which the invaders suffered an ignominious defeat.
Salamis was also the birthplace of the tragic poet Euripides.
The island’s capital is Salamina or Koulouri. The Salamis
Archaeological Museum (tel. (210) 46.35.372) houses finds from
the area. In the Folklore Museum (tel. (210) 46.57.361) there
are local costumes, tools, vessels and other objects.
About 6 km NW of the town is the Phaneromeni Monastery, with
rich wall-paintings, a collection of ecclesiastical treasures,
an icon-painting and a weaving workshop, as well as a hospice.
Information is available from the monastery, tel. (210)
46.81.940.
The earliest archaeological site on the island is at Ambelakia,
4 km SE of Salamina. The naval battle of Salamis was fought
here.
Selinia is located 8 km SE of the town. The seaside village of
Moulki or Aianteio is 6 km SW of the town in an area of pine
woods. The recently explored Cave of Euripides, at Peristeria,
has not only yielded significant finds but is also the place
where tradition relates that the poet withdrew to write his
tragedies. |
