Ampelakia

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Ampelakia Αμπελάκια
Ampelakia
Location
Coordinates	37°57′N 23°31′E / 37.95, 23.517Coordinates: 37°57′N 23°31′E / 37.95, 23.517
Time zone:	EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation (min-max):	0 - 18 m (0 - 59 ft)
Government
Country:	Greece
Periphery:	Attica
Prefecture:	Piraeus
Mayor:	Marios Travlos
Population statistics (as of 2001[1])
City Proper
- Population:	7,060
- Area:[2]	15.169 km² (6 sq mi)
- Density:	465 /km² (1,205 /sq mi)
Codes
Postal:	189 02
Area:	22980
Auto:	Z
Website
www.ampelakia.gr

Ampelakia (Greek: Αμπελάκια, meaning vineyards), also Ambelakia or Abelakia is the capital city of the second municipality of Salamis Island, Greece, and is located in northern Piraeus Prefecture in Central Greece. It lies on the central east coast of the island and has a land area of 15.169 km², comprising about one-sixth of the island's area (with the balance belonging to the Municipality of Salamina). It has a population of 7,060 inhabitants (2001 census). Its largest town is also named Ampelakia, and has a population of 4,537. The other significant town is Selínia (pop. 2,346). The only other settlements are Kynosoúra (pop. 137) and Spithári (40).

Contents 1 History 2 Geography 3 Historical population 4 Towns 5 See also 6 Nearest areas 7 References 8 External links

[edit] History

The city of Ampelakia has a long history. It was at Ampelakia Bay where the famous Battle of Salamis occurred in 480 BC, during which the Greek ships defeated the Persian fleet of Xerxes. Moreover, there are many remnants of the ancient town of Salamina which was a significant economic power between 350 and 318 BC when the town minted coins bearing the shield of the legendary hero Ajax. There are also churches which date back to the 16th century, for example the churches of St. John and St. Peter. Today Ambelakia is a nice city for a walk. The majority of the citizens are sailors. However, excavations are taking place at the ancient port, which is full of shipwrecks of old ships from the last 20 years. There are also a couple of large ship repair yards at Ambelakia. There is an effort by the Greek government to clean up the port and continue the excavations but the shipyard owners are against it because they would have to move. The biggest supermarket in the area is Kanakis.

[edit] Geography

Much of the area is made up of rocky landscapes with a few bushes, while some farmlands lie within the sea. The rest of the area is made up of residential areas. The panorama of the small portion of the Attica peninsula including the Piraeus part of Athens and the southern half of the peninsula can be seen during clear days.

[edit] Historical population

Year	Town population	Change (town)	Municipal population	Density
1981	4,180	-	5,187	341.9/km²
1991	4,174	-6/-0.14%	6,760	445.6/km²
2001	4,537	+363/+8.70%	7,060	465.4/km²

[edit] Towns

• Ampelakia
• Kynosoura
• Selinia
• Spithari

[edit] See also

• Battle of Salamis
• Ajax the Great

[edit] Nearest areas

• Selinia , south
• Paloukia , northeast
• Salamis , west

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official website (Greek)
• Maps and aerial photos
• 37°57′2″N, 23°31′27″E
  • Street map from: Street map from Mapquest, MapPoint
  • Satellite images: Google or Microsoft Virtual Earth - image now available

	Salamina	Salamina and Saronic Gulf	Saronic Gulf	v • d • e
	Salamina		Saronic Gulf
		Ampelakia
	Salamina	Salamina and Saronic Gulf	Saronic Gulf

v • d • e Municipalities and Communities of the Piraeus Prefecture Municipalities Aegina • Agios Ioannis Rentis • Ampelakia • Drapetsona • Hydra • Keratsini • Korydallos • Kythira • Methana • Nikaia • Perama • Piraeus • Poros • Salamis • Spetses • Troizina Communities Agkistri • Antikythera