Galaxidi is a town and a former municipality in the southern part of Phocis, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Delphi, of which it is a municipal unit. Galaxidi has a small harbor on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. It is 7 km southwest of Itea, 15 km southwest of Delphi, 17 km south of Amfissa and48 km east of Naupactus.
History
Until the late 19th century, Galaxidi had a sizeable merchant marine fleet and was a prosperous commercial centre. This is reflected in the size and style of the local buildings. Preservation of the traditional architecture has facilitated the growth of tourism in recent decades. The marine museum contains exhibits from this period.
Town layout
Galaxidi is a small port situated on a natural double harbour surrounded by mountains. The deeper main harbour provides docking facilities for yachts and small fishing boats and is lined with restaurants, bars, and stores. The smaller harbour is Chirolaka.
On the rocky shoreline by the side of the larger harbour, is a pine forest planted by school children in the early twentieth century. There is a road behind the town that leads up the mountain to the Monastery of the Metamorphosis (actually a convent that was inhabited by one nun as of 2010). This provides a splendid view of the city and its surroundings.
Subdivisions
The municipal unit Galaxidi consists of the following communities:
- Agioi Pantes
- Galaxidi
- Penteoria
- Vounichora
Sites of interest
- Maritime Museum of Galaxidi
- Church of St. Nicholas
- Church of Agia Paraskevi
- Monastery of St. Saviour
- The Old School
- The Girls internat
- The mansions of Galaxidy