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Chios (Greek: Χίος) is the main town and a former municipality on the island of Chios, North Aegean, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Chios, of which it is a municipal unit.[1] It is located on the eastern coast of the island facing the Turkish coastal town of Çeşme. The town has a population of 32,000 and is the administrative capital and main port of both the island and of the regional unit of Chios. Chios town is one of eight municipal units on the island.
Chios, 16th century.
View of the promenade.

The city is often locally referred to as "Chora" (Χώρα; literally meaning "town") or "Kastro" (Κάστρο) to distinguish it from the entirely of the island with which it shares the name.

Originally the site of an ancient settlement, the town was first built at the north side of a natural harbour. By the 16th century, the walled town had been further fortified by successive rulers into a massive medieval castle, the "Kastro".

Chios (town) (Information about this image)

The current town, has expanded out from the "Kastro", and the port in the last 200 years. After the devastating earthquake of 1881, the town was substantially rebuilt in neoclassical style, although much of the quayside and outskirts are more modern. Although the population is relatively stable, the town continues to expand with suburbs being built to the north and south. Nevertheless, the centre of the town is still concentrated between the port and castle where the administration, several museums, the main shopping street "Aplotaria", and the municipal gardens lie.

North of Chios lies the suburb of Vrontados, while the Chios Island National Airport and town of Karfas lie a few kilometres south of the centre.