Why Visit
The charm of Syros island is mainly due to the Venetian and Neoclassical architecture of the capital town, Ermoupolis. With picturesque spots and impressive buildings, Ermoupolis is a very interesting place to walk around. Equally beautiful is the village of Ano Syros, constructed on the slopes of a hill above Ermoupolis, with narrow streets and a алиетаwith great view to the sea. Around the island, there are relaxing beach resorts with organized coasts and many tourist facilities. Worth a visit are the Churches of Agios Nikolaos and of the Ressurection of Christ in Ermoupolis, while the most impressive building is the Town Hall in the central square.
History
Syros island lies in the centre of Cyclades and according to the archaeological evidence, it was first inhabited in the prehistoric times (4000 BC) and later in the Cycladic period (3000 BC). In the areas of Kastri and Chalandriani, graves and cultivated settlements have been found. The first reference to Syros was made by Homer under the ancient name "Syrie". The first settlers in the history of Syros were the Phoenecians who moved around the Cyclades. Traces of ancient settlements from the 7th century BC were found in the hill of Agia Pakous, in Galissas and west of Ermoupolis. During the 6th century, Syros was inhabited by the Samians, one of whom was the great philosopher Ferekidis, who later became the teacher of Pythagoras.
Ancient Ermoupolis was built by the Ionians and was later settled by the Persians, Romans, Franks and Turks, who left their cultural traces. During the Roman years, the relics of the old capital, built on the site of the present Ermoupolis and the bronze coins of Syros, witness a great economical development. However, the Venetians played a major role in the cultural development of the island making Syros an important trade centre of the Eastern Mediterranean. The constant pirate invasions though forced the inhabitants of Syros to move the capital on top of the hill, where today lies the medieval settlement of Ano Syros, with the chucrh of Saint Georgio.
When the French conquered the island, in the 17th century, Syros was inhabited by a great number ofcatholics, the known cappuchins who founded a small monastery that remains active to this day. The island flourished greatly following the Greek revolution in 1821, when a massive wave of emigrants from Psara, Chios, Crete and Mimor Asia settled in Syros using the island as the centre of their trading and maritime activities. This was a huge economic boost for Syros and at the same time, the wealthy families of Syros took the initiative to buils nunerous buildings, like schools and theatres. The prosperous period lasted until the early 20th century with the arrival of the German troops to Syros. Thousands of people died from famine and diseases that period and the local economy was left destroyed.
Museums - Archeological
Syros has many interesting museums, most of which are found in the capital town of the island, Ermoupolis. The Archaeological Museum of Syros has been housed since 1835 in the beautiful neoclassical building of the Town Hall, designed the Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller.
The museum displays various collections of findings from excavations made in Syros, such as prehistoric finds brought to light in the fortified settlement of Kastri and the village of Chalandriani, consisting in potteries, marble-carving, metal artwork, utensils, weapons and others. There are also some finds from the ancient city of Syros and from other Cycladic islands such as Amorgos, Kythnos, Aegina, and more. Sculptures, grave columns, and inscriptions from the Hellenistic period are also on display.
Housed in the neoclassical building called Ladopoulos Edifice and located in the main square of Ermoupolis (Miaouli Square), the Historical Archives of Syros contain rich historical material and documents which are really helpful to understand the city and the island's history and society. Various interesting seminars and debates take place all year long.
In Ano Syros, there is a small museum dedicated to Markos Vamvakaris, a famous rembetiko musician in Greece, who was born in Ano Syros. It hosts some personal items and photos of the musician. This museum has been housed in a traditional Syrian building since 1993 and exhibits mementos, pictures, records and personal effects of the famous popular composer.
The Industrial Museum of Syros consists of three buildings housed in the Technical Cultural Centre which stands in the middle of the industrial zone of Ermoupolis. These buildings belong to the Municipality and are: the Katsimantis paint works, the Aneroussis lead factory and the Kornilakis tannery. They are great testimony of the industrial supremacy of Syros during the 19th century, and retrace the industrial history of the island.
Beaches
Galissas, Megas Gialos, Possidonia, Finikas, Agathopes, Vary, Kini Beach, Ahladi, Ampela, Azolimnos, Fabrika, Fetouri, Kokkina, Komito, Liaropa, Santorinoi, Armeos, Delfini
Religious Monasteries and Churches
Syros is the center of Cyclades and one of the most beautiful islands of Greece where Christians and Catholics coexist in harmony. The island boasts numerous churches from both religions, scattered in Ano Syros and the surrounded villages. One of the most interesting religious sites is the church of Metamorphosis, the first church of Ermoupolis, the island's capital. The entire complex is a sightseeing itself, open to the public, with marble columns, beautiful icons and impressive wood carving work.
Right at the main square of Ermoupolis stands the church of Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin), opposite the town Hall and is famous for housing one of the masterpieces of religious art made by the well-known painter El Greco. It is built between 1828 and 1829, the second oldest church of Syros.The Orthodox churches of Agios Dimitrios and Agios Nikolaos can be seen from the port and on top of Vrodado hill lies the the 19th century Church of the Assumption. It offers a splendid view to the neighbouring island of Tinos and Mykonos.
The catholic aspect of Syros is equally interesting with some beautiful religious sites standing in the heart of the city and the nearby villages. Among the most important is the Cathedral of Saint George located in the Venetian town of Ano Syros. It was founded on top of a hill around 1200 AD and it is the Metropolis of the Catholics since 1952. This town is also home to the Jesuit Monastery, founded in 1744. It is known for its valuable library including thousands of books and ancient inscriptions and the church of Panagia Kamilos located within its premises. Close to the catholic cathedral lies the historic Capuchin Monastery.
