Originally the site of an ancient settlement , the town was first built at the north side of a natural harbour . By the 16th century , the Byzantine walled town had been further fortified by the Genoese rulers into a massive medieval castle , the " Kastro " . The current town has expanded out from the '' Kastro '' , and the port in the last 200 years . After the devastating earthquake of 1881 , the town was substantially rebuilt in neoclassical style , although much of the quayside and outskirts are more modern . The promenade and buildings on it , architechnically were influenced by the nearby Smyrna on Asia minor coast . In 1885 the population was circa 13.000
devastating earthquake of 1881
1881 Chios earthquake
Chios (town)