“Oinoussai. Isles close to Chios. Europe”

Hecateus from Miletos, 540 – 470 B.C.

Oinousses at the threshold of Europe

A small cluster of islands between Chios and Asia Minor (Turkey)in the North Eastern Aegean

known all over the world for its prowess in shipping.

TURNING A DISADVANTAGE TO ADVANTAGE

Oinousses, though beautiful in nature, were rocky and poor in fertile land. So, early in the 19th century the Oinoussians

turned to adventure and the sea in order to make their living, thus turning the disadvantage of their land to an

advantage.

Like Homer’s Odysseus, they became mariners, navigators “plowing” in freedom the billions of hectares of the

oceans, the sea, the “blue gold”.

Many Oinoussians left the island and they established their shipping offices in Piraeus, London and New York.

Cosmopolitan and lovers of their homeland; they pay homage to it every year.

The port of Oinousses(looking towards the East, Erythraia)

“Ex Oriente lux” (From the East the light)

F/B “OINOUSSAI III” Ferry connecting daily Oinousses to Chios

The “Mermaid” welcoming us at the port entrance

Monument commemorating the Lost Sailor(the first one in Greece)

Oinousses Maritime Museum

… our history guides our future

Holly convent The Annunciation of Virgin

Mary

… Heaven on Earth

Church of St. NicolasProtector of Oinousses, Seamen and Astronauts

… in humbleness lies the sublime, in poverty the wealth…

Over the past fifteen years many infrastructure works and activities in cultural, educational and development fronts have taken place, eg:

- Water supply: Building a desalination plant and constructing a new network- Constructing a Sewage system and biological wastewater system- Improvement and expansion of the Port (new docks, provision of water and electrical supply for yachts)

- Construction of a Dock suitable for passenger ships- Construction of a Ring Road around the island and many new roads- Building of a purpose-built Kindergarten - Complete reconstruction of the pupils’ Dormitory and doubling of its capacity- Construction of a Mini Football Court (5x5)-Architectural intervention to highlight and upgrade the village characteristics-Rebuilding three apartments for doctors- Establishment of a Pharmacy- Planting of over 1.500 trees - Opening of new beaches - Transportation from the Vatican to the island part of the holy relics of St. Nicolas,

the protector of seafarers and astronauts- Improvement of the efficiency of the Municipality’s employees with an emphasis towards providing “service” to the citizen, etc.

- Cultural and sports activities (International conferences, Olympic Flame 2004, Aegean Regatta 2001 & 2012, theatrical performances, concerts, seminars, etc.)

… and a substantial cash surplus

in the Municipality’s reserves!

Desalination plant

Heliport

Marina

Pupils’ dormitory

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”

Aristotle

Merchant Marine Academy

for Captains

“Many were the men whose cities he

saw and whose mind he learned…”Homer’s “Odyssey”

Stadium-Amphitheatre

“Mens sana in corpore sano”(A sound mind in a sound body)

Views of the island

Views of the village

Views of our beaches

Cruise Ship “Europa 2” in Oinousses

Inner peace and tranquility in a serene environment by the sea.

“rosy-fingered Dawn”Homer’s “Iliad”

Daybreak & sunset

The “Oinoussian Mother”bidding farewell to our seamen

Farewell

“I completed my higher mathematics in the School of the Sea.” Odysseas Elytis, “The little mariner”

Oinoussai, Chios, 821 01 HellasTel: +30-22713- 51300, Fax: +30-22713- 51330

email: oinouses@0814.syzefxis.gov.grMayor: cosmoin@ath.forthnet.grwww.oinousses-municipality.gr