Ampelakia is a coastal town on the east coast of the island of Salamina, on the bay of the same name and at the island’s harbour. The town lies between Cape Pounta to the north and the opposite promontory on the northern coast of the Kynosoura peninsula. The town’s history brings together several clearly distinct themes: ancient settlement and harbour remains, churches from different centuries, and a digital cultural offering.

Ancient City and Harbour

The main settlement of the ancient city was on the Ampelakia side. Its remains include sections of the surrounding wall, city walls and ancient buildings. A significant harbour with shipbuilding facilities was also located on the Ampelakia side and remains clearly visible today. The fortifications and buildings offer a glimpse of the ancient settlement; the harbour adds the maritime history of the place to this perspective. The focus is therefore not only on walls and buildings, but also on the facilities associated with the ancient harbour.

Churches from Different Periods

The Chapel of Saint Peter is a simple cross-in-square church dating from the 16th century. It stood outside the historic boundaries of Ampelakia. In Ampelakia itself stands the simple church of Ypapantoula, with a pitched roof. It was probably built in the 17th century over the remains of a building that was probably Roman. For Ypapantoula, then, both the dating of the church and the Roman identification of the older building are probable rather than certain.

The Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Ampelakia was built in 1887. East of Ampelakia is also the Church of Taxiarchis, a cemetery church dating from the period of Ottoman rule. Its location east of the town and its function distinguish it from the churches within Ampelakia. Together, these buildings offer different historical and architectural connections: from the 16th-century cross-in-square church, through the probably older foundations of Ypapantoula, to the church built in 1887 and the Church of Taxiarchis from the Ottoman period.

Digital Cultural Offering and Salaminia

The Digital Cultural Park of the Municipality of Salamina is housed in the new library building in Ampelakia. Its attractions include an immersive 5D re-enactment of the Battle of Salamis. If you plan to visit the Cultural Park as a set part of your itinerary, check visiting arrangements in advance.

The Salaminia also commemorate the historic Battle of Salamis, but in the form of an annual celebration: they take place every September. The closing ceremony is held on the Salaminomachon coast, also known as Kamatero Beach, in the Ampelakia area. The Cultural Park and the Salaminia thus explore the same historical theme in different ways—as a digital re-enactment and as an event. Specific dates and the programme may vary; check the latest information before planning your trip around the festival.

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