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Syros - Siros
SYROS
(SIROS)
(Area
86 sq. km. Distance from
Piraeus
83
nautical miles, distance from Rafina 62 nautical miles). The northern part of Siros is mountainous and the
island stands out in general for the variety of the landscape
in its hinterland, where hills alternate with low-lying farming
areas. The coastline is indented with inlets of all sizes
between capes. There are two large bays, of Ermoupoli to the
east and Finikas to the west. Archaeological excavations have
shown that Siros was inhabited in Neolithic times. Digs at
Kastri and Halandriani have revealed a prehistoric acropolis, a
settlement and a burial ground, and yielded artefacts of the
Early Cycladic period. Ermoupoli, 'Queen of the Cyclades',
is the capital and main harbour of Siros. It is also without
doubt the capital of all the Cyclades. Ermoupoli stands on a
naturally amphitheatrically site, with neoclassical buildings,
old mansions and white houses in the island style cascading down
to the harbour. The centre of the town, where Miaouli Square
stands ringed with cafes, has a grandeur all its own. Among the
most important buildings are the Town Hall (to plans by
Ziller) and the Apollo Municipal Theatre, which is
a copy in miniature of La Scala, Milan. There is also a statue
of
Admiral Miaoulis. Ermoupoli has numerous magnificent 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.
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Mega
Gialos, Syros.
Edmond Schuermans.
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Kini, Syros.
Edmond
Schuermans.
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The Archaeological Museum has a collection of notable finds,
and the Municipal Library contains numerous interesting and
rare editions. The quarter of the town known as Vaporia,
where the sea-captains lived, is of special interest. Along
its narrow streets stand neo-classical mansions. Ano Siros
(Upper Siros), 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
the very top of the town is the Catholic Cathedral of St
George, next to which stands the Centre for Historical
Studies. Not far below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and
Capucins. In the centre of the town is the Town Hall, with the
Historical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Siros, and the
Museum devoted to the popular composer Markos Varnvakaris,
revered as one of the masters of Greek music. Various folklore
events take place in Ano Siros, generally during the summer.
On the north-east side of the island are Halandriani and
Kastri hill, where important prehistoric finds have been made.
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Syros. Edmond Schuermans |
Vaporia, ,Ermoupoli, "little
Venice"
on Syros.
Edmond Schuermans
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The beaches of north-west Siros are difficult to reach. Among
places of interest here is 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 Angathopes and neo-classical houses of great
architectural interest; Vari, with an attractive beach,
Finikas bay, Kini and Megas Gialos. There are more good
swimming beaches at Kimata, Agios Nikolaos, Ermoupoli, Ambela,
Delfini and Ahladi. Siros is well-supplied with tourist
amenities and its natural beauties and interesting monuments
make it an ideal holiday destination. The ease of availability
of products and services give the island an advantage over
its more isolated neighbours.How to get there: By ferry from
Piraeus and Rafina. By air from Athens. |
Ano
Syros. Edmond
Schuermans |
church of Aghia
Marina and the bay of Megas Yalos.
Edmond
Schuermans
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Ermoupoli
Edmond Schuermans
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Finikas
Photo E.Schuermans
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A House in Posidonia
Photo E.Schuermans
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