Syros dominates the centre of the Cyclades. The capital, Hermoupolis, which is built amphitheatrically with neoclassical buildings and old mansions, is a majestic and noble scene, as it was an urban centre during the 18th century .
The medieval city of Ano Syros remains untouched by progress.
Syros, which has a total land area of 85 km², is the capital of Cyclades. Without particular vegetation, are cultivated mainly precocious vegetables and horticultural, in the greenhouses that are found in the central and southern part of island.
History
Syros was the centre of the Cycladic culture in ancient times. During the Persian War it was an ally of Athens, later on became a member of the Athenians’ Alliance and was then occupied by the Macedonians, the Ptolemeans of Egypt and finally the Romans.
In the Odyssey, Homer refers to Syros as “Syriin” (prosperous). The names “Syr” (rock), “Ousura” or “Ousoura” show that the Phoenicians also influenced the island.
The archaeological finds at Chalandriani and Kastri, in the northern part of the island, belong to the Early Cycladic Era, while during the 3rd millennium B.C. the Syros-Keros culture flourished.
During the 6th century B.C. the philosopher Ferekidis, who discovered the heliotrope, was born and lived in Syros. He was also Pythagoras’ teacher.
Syros belonged to the Aegean Dominion during the Byzantine period until it was occupied by the Frankish and became part of the Duchy of the Archipelagos. It was then that the medieval city of Ano Syros was built and came under the protection of the Roman Catholic Church and so the Catholic doctrine was spread.
In 1537 it was subjugated by the Turks. However, it was governed differently than the rest of the Cyclades, having significant privileges.
During the Greek Revolution of 1821 Syros was under the protection of the French therefore making it a safe shelter for the refugees who were being driven away by the Turks. So, in 1822 refugees from Psarra, Chios and Casos built the port of the island, today’s capital, Hermoupolis.
Modern History
The city developed quickly. The neoclassical architectural monuments one can see almost anywhere indicate how much it had thrived. The main activities that led to this development were the transit trade because of the geographical location, the industry, the shipyards, the boat-yards, the tanneries and the machine-shops while this progress also helped cultural development.
The Apollon Theatre, which is a small scale replica of the Scala of Milano, was soon built to house cultural events. In 1983 the first high school was founded, in which Eleftherios Venizelos studied.
Tour
A visitor’s tour must include the imposing Town Hall (designed by Ernest Chiller) where the marble-paved square Miaoulis lies, the municipal library, the Apollon theatre, the neoclassical buildings of the Prefecture and the Worker’s Union, the mansions and the magnificent buildings in the district Vaporia.
Churches
Of all the churches of the island a visitor shouldn’t miss the church of the Metamorphosis, which is also a Metropolis (cathedral). It was built by The earliest inhabitants of the island, who were refugees having fled from Chios and Psarra, built this church, to meet their religious needs .In the garden of St Nicholas’ church one can find the marble monument of the “Atafos Agonistis” made by the sculptor Vitalis from Tinos. It is also worth visiting Koimisis church where the icon “Koimisis Theotokou” (Dormition of the Virgin) by Domenicos Theotocopoulos, also known as El Greco, is on display. The church of Anastasi offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Ano Syros
Our tour continues with the medieval city of Ano Syros, which is a separate municipality because of its historical importance. Its inhabitant’s religion is Roman Catholic. The “Upper Land” as it is called by the locals, with the church of San Georgio at the top of the hill, the innumerable steps, the Capuchin monastery, the Jesuit monastery, the taverns and the spectacular view make the whole town a sight on its own.
Villages
The most notable seaside villages of the island are: Poseidonia (or Delagratsia) with its neoclassical mansions, Foinikas, Galissas the most developed tourist village, Vari, Megas Gialos, Azolimos, and Kini with its magnificent sunset. In the centre of the island one can visit Parakopi, Chroussa, Pagos and Piskopeio.
Beaches
The best beaches to go swimming are Galissas, Agathopes, Poseidonia, Foinikas, Vari, Megas Gialos, Azolimnos and Kini. There are also many peaceful beaches such as Delfini, Abela, Komito, and others.
The city developed quickly. The neoclassical architectural monuments one can see almost anywhere indicate how much it had thrived. The main activities that led to this development were the transit trade because of the geographical location, the industry, the shipyards, the boat-yards, the tanneries and the machine-shops while this progress also helped cultural development.
The Apollon Theatre, which is a small scale replica of the Scala of Milano, was soon built to house cultural events. In 1983 the first high school was founded, in which Eleftherios Venizelos studied.
Of all the churches of the island a visitor shouldn’t miss the church of the Metamorphosis, which is also a Metropolis (cathedral). It was built by The earliest inhabitants of the island, who were refugees having fled from Chios and Psarra, built this church, to meet their religious needs .In the garden of St Nicholas’ church one can find the marble monument of the “Atafos Agonistis” made by the sculptor Vitalis from Tinos. It is also worth visiting Koimisis church where the icon “Koimisis Theotokou” (Dormition of the Virgin) by Domenicos Theotocopoulos, also known as El Greco, is on display. The church of Anastasi offers a breathtaking view of the city.
The most notable seaside villages of the island are: Poseidonia (or Delagratsia) with its neoclassical mansions, Foinikas, Galissas the most developed tourist village, Vari, Megas Gialos, Azolimos, and Kini with its magnificent sunset. In the centre of the island one can visit Parakopi, Chroussa, Pagos and Piskopeio.
The best beaches to go swimming are Galissas, Agathopes, Poseidonia, Foinikas, Vari, Megas Gialos, Azolimnos and Kini. There are also many peaceful beaches such as Delfini, Abela, Komito, and others.
