Ano Syros is a captivating labyrinth of narrow alleys with unique views of Ermoupoli and the Aegean. A place with its own authentic beauty that is worth discovering.
The capital of Syros and the Cyclades,Ermoupoli, is a place that steals your heart with its beauty and history. Yet no trip to Syros is considered complete without a stroll through the medieval settlement of Ano Syros that offers wonderful views of the Aegean and transports you to another era.
Ano Syros sits on one of the two great hills above Ermoupoli and has its own authentic charm. It was founded in 1200 by the Venetians and has been continuously inhabited throughout its history, preserving its Catholic identity and medieval character. The town took shape gradually, amphitheatrically upon the rocks, like a natural fortress, with the outer walls of the houses forming a natural rampart protecting locals from pirate raids.
In Ano Syros you’ll lose yourself in a charming maze of narrow alleys, houses intertwined with one another, balconies draped in bougainvillea, and little chapels. The countless steps, threading through the whitewashed houses and arches at the edge of the hill, lead to the top of the settlement, where the Catholic Cathedral of St. George (San Tzortzis) stands. The church impresses with its grandeur, while the view from there will reward you.
On Don I. Stefanou Street, the "piazza", you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants gathered together. It’s worth making a stop at the Markos Vamvakaris Museum, where personal belongings of the great rebetiko musician are exhibited. Both the museum and the bust in the square of the same name pay tribute to the "patriarch of rebetiko", who was born and raised on the island.
The attractions of Ano Syros
- A key attraction is the Catholic Cathedral of St. George (San Tzortzis) at the highest point of the hill of Ano Syros. It is a large complex that includes the church, the bell tower, the baptistery, the sacristy, the guest hall, the Historical Archive building, the episcopal palace, and a ruined residence. You’ll need to climb quite a few steps to reach it, but the view will reward you.
- The Markos Vamvakaris Museum narrates the life of the great rebetis through personal items and rich photographic material.
- At the Exhibition of Traditional Professions you’ll see objects used by the people of Syros in their everyday lives, craftsmen’s tools, and items from trades that are disappearing.
- The Jesuit Monastery, founded in 1744, stands out for its icon of the Virgin Mary, which, as they say, came from Rome, as well as for its important library.
- St. Nicholas(of the Poor)was built around 1590. During recent renovations, bones and graves dating from the 16th century were found.
