There is also a Kamatero in the island of Salamis, see Kamatero Salaminos and in the community of Anoixi

Kamatero, (Greek, Modern: Καματερό, Katharevousa: Καματερóν), older forms Kamateron, is a suburb in the northwestern part of Athens, Greece. It is located about 10 km N of downtown Athens and NE of Piraeus. The main streets are Fylis Avenue and Dimokratias Avenue which is now a superhighway which is also GR-1/E75 for the northbound and GR-89 for the southbound lanes. The railway line of the national railway company runs in the eastern part.

History

During the Greek revolution, Kamatero was the site of the Battle of Kamatero, the outcome of which proved to be decisive in the siege of Athens. The battle ended in a Turkish victory, largely due to miscommunication between the Greek commanders. The battle is described in the memoirs of general Ioannis Makrygiannis, who also mentions the presence of a settlement by the name of Kamatero.

Up to the mid-20th century, the area was made up of farmlands and some forests dominated its northern part. After that point, urban development replaced much of the farmlands. Today, about two-thirds of the land are residential areas. Empty space today can be found in the western part, on the Poikilo range, which consists of rocks and pines. The last patches of forests can also be found here, as well as in the southeastern part of the municipality, in the Pyrgos Vassilissis park area.

Demographics

The area is mainly made up of urban areas to the west and east (residential areas account for about two-thirds of the municipality) and of the industrial area south of the Cephissus River. The Pyrgos Vassilissis park, one of the largest in Greece, lies to the southeast, on the border with Ilio and Agioi Anargyroi municipalities.

Population

Kamatero is largely a residential area, but the populace has a distinct working and lower-middle class character. The residential development is considerable, but this is not met by a matching development of local enterprise.

Businesses

Aside from small family businesses, Kamatero houses four banks, a sports centre, a post office and a few small factories. One of these was destroyed in a major fire on 10 October, 2003. However, there is a considerable growth of small-scale businesses, such as stores and restaurants, mostly focused around the town squares (plateies)

Education

Kamatero has 8 elementary schools, 3 lower-level secondary schools, and 2 upper-level secondary schools (high schools), as well as a technical school. Most high school graduates enroll in the universities and technical colleges of Athens or other Greek cities.

Earthquake

Athens was struck by a major earthquake on September 7, 1999. Kamatero was very close to the epicentre, and several houses were heavily damaged. There were no casualties, but the homeless were in the hundreds range.

External links

• Mapquest - Kamatero, street map not available
• Coordinates:
• http://directory.kompass.com/en/Greece/Sterea%20Ellada%20and%20Evoia/Kamatero/dir.php

See also:

• List of municipalities of Attica

Athens | Cities and towns in Greece

Kamateron