Syros Island
Syros Island is a hidden gem among the Cyclades Islands in Greece, in the Aegean Sea, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. It is the largest in population among the Cyclades and its capital, Ermoupoli (named after God Hermes), is also the capital of Cyclades. Hermoupoli was a very important commercial and industrial center in the 19th century, in the newly established Greek State, with a remarkable shipping center.
Syros has a rich history, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it was first inhabited in the prehistoric times (4000 BC) and later in the Cycladic period (3000 BC). Since then, it has also been inhabited by Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, Franks and Venetians. During the War for Greek Independence, refugees from Chios, Psara and Asia Minor escaped the destruction of their towns, came to Syros and built Hermoupolis, bringing with them their culture, know-how and great food!
The old quarter of Hermoupolis, Ano Syros (upper town- Epano Chora), is a community of narrow winding streets, mostly steps, small shops, tavernas, cafes and has a completely different feel from the city below. It was founded in the 13th century by Venetians on the site of a Classical town and It had been the main town on the island before the building of Ermoupoli in the early 19th Century. It’s where a Catholic community mainly resides. Ano Syros’ appealing mediaeval atmosphere is viewed in its whitewashed houses and its narrow serpent alleys and stairs that lead to lovely neighbourhoods. The view from the hilltop is mindblowing and only 2km from Ermoupoli, therefore the walk up is definitely worth the climb.
