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Syros
Phones
PORT POLICE
2281088888
HOSPITAL
2281360500
POLICE
100
FIRE DPT.
199
General Information
Syros is in the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands, off the normal tourist track. Known as "the grand dame of the Cyclades", Syros provides an authentic Greek island culture experience. The capital of Syros island, Ermoupolis (the town of Hermes), captivates all visitors from the moment they step on its land. Its neoclassic architecture, quaint alleys, rich history and apparent cultural elements are probably some of the reasons that explain why this town was also selected to be the capital of the whole island complex of the Cyclades. Quite interesting is the fact that the town was formed during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. In fact, the first inhabitants were Greek refugees from Asia Minor, Chios, Psara, Crete, Thrace, and other regions that suffered from the Ottomans.
Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos
Agios Stefanos - Cave Church
Even though they were physically and mentally damaged by the brutal raids, the refugees were educated people, occupied with trade and seafaring, having connections abroad and an extensive commercial network in Europe. It didn't take long for the port of Ermoupolis to become the most crucial naval and commercial center of Greece, given the label "the bridge between West and East".
Ermoupoli City
Ermoupoli City Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller, with the statue of Andreas Miaoulis (work of Georgios Bonanos).
In or near Ermoupoli,
• City Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller, also home to the Archaeological Museum
• Apollo Theatre, inspired by Italian and French architectural styles, seat of the International Classical Music Festival of the Cyclades. Small entry fee.
• The Vaporia neighborhood, with stately mansions and the Church of St Nicolas
• Industrial Museum (11 Georgiou Papandreou)
• Ano Syros (A free island bus leaves from Agora bus stop in Ermoupoli every two hours). It will take you to Camára at the bottom of Ano Syros, from where it is a short but steep walk (with steps) up to the Piatsa main street; most buses carry on up to Pano Terma at the top of Ano Syros, which is a good option for the Cathedral, or if you prefer a more relaxed downhill walk through the medieval district.. This is the city’s medieval district, with many winding passages and stairways, myriad chapels and churches, as well as the Cathedral of St George. There are some tasteful tourist shops and tavernas with breathtaking views over the bay of Ermoupoli. Most of the places to eat only serve food in the evenings, after 7pm
• Further uphill, the 13th-century Roman Catholic Cathedral of St George (From Ermoupoli, take a taxi or the free bus to Pano Terma and walk a short distance to the cathedral. Check with the bus driver if they are going on to Pano Terma, otherwise you will have to get off at Camára at the bottom of Ano Syros. You can walk up from Camára to the cathedral but be prepared for lots of steps.). Open 8am to 9.30pm. First built around 1200, it was destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. It was given the status of (Roman Catholic) Cathedral in 1652. The top of the hill on which it is built is exposed beneath a glass plate inside the cathedral. There are religious icons of St George and of the Virign Mary (Panayiá). There is a panoramic view from the cathedral over the bay of Ermoupoli, including views of many other churches, particularly the imposing Church of the Resurrection (see below).
• Holy Church of the Resurrection of Christ. An imposing Orthodox church, constructed in a neo-Byzantine style, founded in 1874 and dedicated to the “Resurrection of the Nation”. It dominates the hill of Dili adjacent to the Ano Syros hill. It has a dome visible from most of Ermoupoli, impressive bell towers, and contains some important religious icons.