Tower of Sarakini

• Description

Tower of Sarakini. It is the oldest tower that was built after colonization of the island and dates from 1577. It was the residence of “Nicholas Sarakinis“, one of the first inhabitants of Samos after reoccupation of the island at midle of 16th c..

The tower is made of stone and is an elongated rectangular building 12m in height, which internally is divided  into three floors with a basement. The fortified character of the monument is visible from several components, such as the roof with the ramparts, the two gun-loops (one in the north and one on the south side).  It is also impressive and the stone-windows of the second floor, which is decorated with the motif of the Maltese cross.

Adjacent to the tower there is the picturesque, “twin” churches of “Agios Ioannis” and “Agios Georgios” which date from 1602, built by  craftsmenw from Patmos island.

After the death of N. Sarakinis, the tower was inherited to the Monastery of “St. John” in Patmos island and remains its property until today.

• Relevant Story

In 1572 the Ottoman admiral Kılıç Ali Paşa (or Giovanni Dionigi Galeni), anchored at the bay of Ireon of Samos, probably because of bad weather. After he mada a tour in the island was impressed by the beauty, the lush vegetation, but also by the fact that it was uninhabited.

After his returning to Turkey he asked Sultan to cede him the island, as he did. Since he acquired the ownership of the island, he invited only Greeks, Christians to inhabit the island and gave them land, independence from the Turks and many other advantages, more >>

“Nicholas Sarakinis” (from Crete but born in Patmos) was steersman of Kılıç Ali Paşa and he ceded to him large tracts of land at the area around Ireon, where he also built the tower. “Tower of Sarakini” is a symbol of Samos reoccupation and a new beginning in its history.

 

• Features

• Construction time  : 1577
• Origin                      : Ottomans
• Castle Type             : Tower House
• Altitude                   : Elevation ≈ 15 m 
  
• Condition                : Relatively Good

• Admission

• • The surrounding area is open and free to the public, interior of the tower are closed.
    

Information about tower from: Ministry of Culture and Sports

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