- DESTINATION Greece
Syros
Syros is the island in the center of the Cyclades that has the capital of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli . You can visite the island takeing the boat of piraeus port.
Syros is the island in the center of the Cyclades that has the capital of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli .You can visite the island takeing the boat of piraeus port.Τhe island was developed by refugees and Asia Minor. Τhe island got its name from the word “sour” which in the language of the ancient Phoenicians (the first inhabitants) means rocky. Ermoupoli, the capital town of Syros, is an architectural gem, visit the Town Hall building, which was designed by Ernst Ziller, Apollo Theater and Pallas cinema. Hiking the hill above Ermoupoli, you’ll find the Catholic center of Syros, Ano Syros. While Ermoupoli boasts a Venetian beauty, Ano Syros is a typical Cycladic town with whitewashed houses and narrow alleys. The best seashores are Kini, Galissa, Delfini, and Dellagratsia.
Places you have to visit:
1. Miaouli Square, the meeting point of the island
This is the heart of Ermoupoli, the ultimate meeting point for locals and visitors alike. In its center dominates the statue of the famous admiral of the Revolution of 1821 Andreas Miaoulis. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, all creations of the 19th century such as the iconic Town Hall, the club that houses the Spiritual Center, as well as the Historical Archive of Syros.
2. The City Hall of Syros, one of its most important attractions
The work of the famous architect Ernestos Ziller, the building of the Town Hall of Syros is one of the largest town halls, but also one of the most magnificent neoclassical buildings of modern Greece. Its architecture combines Tuscan and Ionic style influences, with Corinthian style columns. Its foundation began in 1876, while its inauguration took place in 1898. Its premises also host the Archaeological Museum, one of the oldest in Greece.
3. The Municipal Theater of Apollo with references to the Scala of Milan
Even if you have not arranged to attend an opera or theater performance, you should definitely admire it in person. It was built in 1862 – 1864 by the Italian architect Pietro Sambo and its design shows patterns and influences from great Italian theaters, such as Milan’s La Scala. During the Second World War it suffered significant damage, however it was fully restored by the state. Today, it is one of the most important centers of cultural activity in Ermoupoli and the Cyclades
4. Vaporia, the famous district of Ermoupolis
Vaporia mansions is the famous aristocratic district of the island with neoclassical and mansion buildings on the sea. The way they are built on the edge of the rocks makes them look like ships, which led to the name “Vaporias”. Each of her houses is high-ceilinged, decorated with miniatures, marble balconies, wooden floors and carved wooden doors that are worth admiring up close.
5. The Transit Warehouses and the Cyclades Art Gallery
The Transit Warehouses at the pier of the port of Syros follow the old coastline and attract the attention of visitors with their special style. They were built in 1834 – 1839 according to plans by I.B. Erlacher and under the supervision of Wilhelm von Weiler. Since 1994, the Cyclades Art Gallery has been operating in the building, which hosts periodic exhibitions and its own collections.
6. The archaeological site of Chalandriani – Kastri
The recorded history of Syros starts from the early Bronze Age, specifically from the 3rd millennium BC. As the archaeological finds reveal, the settlements of Chalandriani and Kastri occupied an important place in its residential model. Follow the path that connects the prehistoric acropolis of Chalandriani with Kastri, enjoying an endless view of the Aegean.
7. The aquarium in Kini, one of the most favorite attractions of Syros
One of the favorite choices of visitors to Syros is its aquarium, which was recently renovated. Here, you will discover representative species of fish and other marine organisms found on its beaches, as well as secrets of the magical world of the Cyclades and the Aegean. Traditional boats and tools from its rich fishing tradition are also housed in the same area.
8. The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin
Built in 1828, it is the second oldest church in Ermoupolis after the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Transfiguration of 1824. It is a three-aisled royal church with an interior decorated with wood and marble elements. Its wooden domes do not look like an overturned ship. Here, you will also admire the original image of the Dormition of the Virgin from 1562, created by the leading Greek painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco).
9. The Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis
The industrial heritage and maritime tradition of Syros are reflected in all their glory at the Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis. It is housed in the renovated Katsimanti paint factory, while it has two more buildings: the Anairousi powder factory and the Kornilaki tannery. Here, you will discover a large collection of golden industrial age tools, equipment and machinery from the island’s pastry, textile, tannery, printing, mechanical and glass workshops.
10. Agia Pako, a Catholic chapel with a view of the… sunset!
At the highest point of the hill opposite the beach of Galissa, is the small church of Agia Pako or Agia Ypakoi. To reach it, you must first cross a difficult path and climb several small steps. However, the magnificent panoramic view from its surroundings, especially at sunset, will surely reward you.
Ano Syros and its Medieval Castle
The Venetian settlement of Ano Syros is surrounded by the famous Castle, which was built in the 13th century by the first Frankish settlers of the island. Only here, you will enjoy a unique combination of medieval and Cycladic architecture. Walk through its narrow streets, visit the house where the great rebbe Markos Vamvakaris grew up, stop for coffee in the local shops and reach the top of the castle town where San Georges, Metropolis of Catholics is located