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Syros

Ermoupoli is the capital and main harbour of Syros. It is also without doubt the capital of all the Cyclades. Ermoupoli stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site, with neo-classical buildings, old mansions and white houses in the island style cascading down to the harbour. The center of the town, where Miaouli Square stands ringed with cafes, has a grandeur of its own.

Ermoupoli has numerous magnificent Orthodox churches, the most interesting of which are those dedicated to the Transfiguration, the Dormition of Our Lady, St Demetrius, the Three Hierarchs, and St Nicholas. The Archaeological Museum has a collection of notable finds, and the Municipal Library contains numerous interesting and rare editions. Among the most important buildings are the Town Hall (to plans by Ziller) and the Apollo Municipal Theatre, which is a miniature copy of La Scala, Milan.

Ano Syros (Upper Syros), with its walls, narrow lanes and arches, has kept much of its medieval character. The steep streets and countless steps lend the town the charm of a bygone age. At very top of the town is the Catholic Cathedral of St. George, next to which stands the Center for Historical Studies. Not far below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and Capucins. In the center of the town is the Town Hall, with the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Syros, and the Museum devoted to the popular composer Markos Vamvakaris, revered as one of the masters of Greek music.

On the north-east side of Syros are Halandriani and Kastri hill, where important prehistoric finds have been made. The beaches of north-west Syros are difficult to reach. Among places of interest here, are Gramata, where inscriptions dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods are to be found carved on the rocks.

The southern and western parts of Syros are the most densely inhabited. The best beaches are also here, including Galissas, a fine, large resort with a long sandy beach; Possidonia or Delagratsia, a coastal area with a good beach at Agathopes and neo-classical houses of great architectural interest. Vari, with an attractive beach, Finikas bay, Kini and Gialos.

Syros is the administrative center of the Cyclades Prefecture. Despite the fact that is the capital of Cyclades, from the architectural point of view it has nothing to do with Cyclades! This "strange" fact together with its excellent landscapes and beaches and the proximity to Athens, have transformed the island into a very popular tourist center.

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