KAMBOS
Address: Kambos, 82100 Chios
Kambos
is located south of the town of Chios and encompasses an area 7 kilometers
in length and a width of approximately 2 kilometers.
The literal translation of the word Kambos is plane (connoting
a leveled surface), however, this does not begin to depict the splendor of
the evergreen trees, the lusciously green countryside and the thick,
plentiful citrus trees contained within each orchard.
Over
the course of time, various cultures have dominated Chios, thereby
reinforcing the fact that the island has been the crossroad for many
civilizations, a connection between the east and the west.
Kambos has a history of civilizations that have swept through its
estates and evidence of foreign influence has been engraved within its
buildings, stone walls and family coat of arms made of marble above each
estate entrance.
Kambos’
history dates back to the Byzantine period and continues with the Genoese
and Turkish conquerors that have passed.
The prosperity of Kambos is attributed to the Genoese domination
dating 1346 – 1566. The
Genoese took advantage of the plentiful water deposits in the soil
contained within the Kambos area. They
imported citrus trees and introduced the island inhabitants to the
systematic cultivation of the trees, thereby increasing wealth by
exporting golden fruit abroad, amongst other goods.
The
wealth that was initially generated in the 14th century is
evident even today. Within
the limits of Kambos are approximately 200 historical estates, each of
which displays a splendorous mansion, auxiliary buildings, a wheel powered
well, cistern, pebble paved courtyard and orchard.
The Massacre of Chios in 1822, the earthquake of 1881 and the
abandonment of Kambos estates have left a great number of estates in ruins.
Today,
in an effort to preserve this cultural inheritance, renovations have been
completed and inhabitants have either taken up permanent residence or
utilize the estates as lodges. Kambos
has been characterized as a traditional settlement (paradosiakos
ikismos), thus limiting construction and renovation within the area.
Renovations must be performed by taking into consideration the
protective legislature of the area.