Galaxidi
| Galaxidi Γαλαξίδι |
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| Location | |
 Galaxidi
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| Coordinates | 38°22′N 22°23′E / 38.367°N 22.383°ECoordinates: 38°22′N 22°23′E / 38.367°N 22.383°E |
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Location within the regional unit
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| Government | |
| Country: | Greece |
| Region: | Central Greece |
| Regional unit: | Phocis |
| Municipality: | Delphi |
| Population statistics (as of 2001) | |
| Municipal unit | |
| - Population: | 3,030 |
| Other | |
| Time zone: | EET/EEST (UTC+2/3) |
| Elevation (center): | 4 m (13 ft) |
| Postal: | 330 52 |
| Telephone: | 22650 |
| Auto: | ΑΜ |
Galaxidi (Greek: Γαλαξίδι, Katharevousa: Γαλαξίδιον), is a town and a former municipality in the southern part of Phocis, Greece.
Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Delphi, of which it is a municipal unit.[1] It has a small harbor on the Gulf of Corinth. The Greek National Road 48/E65 connects Galaxidi with Naupactus and Itea. Galaxidi is located about 10 km S of Itea and about 30 km S of Amfissa, S of Lamia, about 25 km SW of Delphi, WSW of Livadeia and E of Naupactus. Galaxidi is a 2.5h to 3h drive from the capital Athens and a relatively popular weekend retreat.
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[edit] History
Until the late 19th century, Galaxidi had a sizeable merchant marine fleet and was a prosperous commercial centre. This is reflected in the size and style of the local buildings. Preservation of the traditional architecture has facilitated the growth of tourism in recent decades. The marine museum contains exhibits from this period.
Galaxidi has a primary school, a high school, three churches, several bakeries, a post office, bank, a pottery and three squares (plateia).There are few farms in the area. In recent years commercial fish farming has been developing.
Municipality of Galaxidi also consists of nearby villages "Ayioi Pantes" (Αγιοι Παντες), "Penteoria" (Πεντεορια) and "Vounihora" (Βουνιχωρα). There is a road behind the town that leads up the mountain to the Monastery of the Metamorphosis (actually a convent that was inabited by one nun as of 2010). This provides a splendid view of the city and its surroundings. On a clear day, the Peloponnese can also be seen to the south.
[edit] Town layout
Galaxidi is a small port situated on a natural double harbour surrounded by mountains. The deeper main harbour provides docking facilities for yachts and small fishing boats and is lined with restaurants, bars, and stores. The smaller harbour, Hirolaka, is residential, with a park (platia) from which there is a splendid view of Itea and Delphi.
The western part of Parnassus can be seen from here. On the rocky shoreline by the side of the larger harbour, is a pine forest planted by school children in the early twentieth century.
[edit] Subdivisions
The municipal unit Galaxidi consists of the following communities:
- Agioi Pantes
- Galaxidi
- Penteoria
- Vounichora
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Town population | Municipality population |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 1,264 | - |
| 1991 | 1,369 | 2,494 |
| 2001 | 1,718 | 3,030 |
[edit] Sites of interest
- Maritime Museum of Galaxidi, a museum which includes the Galaxidi Chronicle which was published by KN Sathas in 1865. It used to serve as a town hall for Galaxidi.
[edit] Flour Wars
The Carnival Season in Greece ends with the celebration of Clean Monday which coincides with the beginning of the Greek Orthodox Lent. On that particular day the custom of Alevromoutzouroma (Greek: Αλευρομουτζούρωμα, literally Flour Smudging, or else Flour Wars), takes place in Galaxidi. The origins of the custom are unclear, however it appears in its current form since the mid-19th century.
Around noon, locals and visitors of all ages dressed up in old clothes rendezvous at a predefined location where flour is distributed in large quantities. Various types of coloring is added for effect while people paint their faces with charcoal. Then they march to the harbor which is usually split into a war zone and a neutral zone for the observers and the fight begins. The participants throw each other (and to unsuspected bystanders) colored flour until essentially they run out of supplies.
The event often attracts media coverage. [2] [3]
[edit] Notable people
- Spyros Vassiliou,[4] artist
[edit] References
- ^ Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (Greek)
- ^ Spiegel Online, Flour Wars
- ^ Global Post, Full Frame: Flour war
- ^ Επίτομο Γεωγραφικό Λεξικό της Ελλάδος (Geographical Dictionary of Greece), Μιχαήλ Σταματελάτος, Φωτεινή Βάμβα-Σταματελάτου, εκδ. Ερμής, ΑΘήνα 2001
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
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Amfissa | Itea | |
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| Lidoriki |  |
Gulf of Corinth | ||
 Galaxidi  |
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| Tolofon | Gulf of Corinth |
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Galaxidi |
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