Syros

The name of the island possibly originates from the Phoenician word "Ousyra" or "Ousoura", which means "happy" or the word "Syr" which means "rocky". Homer in his "Odyssey" refers to the island as "Syryin" and that it is "dipolis" (which means it has two cities Poseidonia and Phoenicia). Homer's narration reveals the effect the Phoenicians had on the island and it is almost certain that the first residents of the island were Phoenicians, as it seems from the naming of the NW bay (Phoenica). From archaeological digs have brought to light objects proclaim that there was life on the island during the Bronze Age (4000-3000 BC) and that they were very developed from the Protocycladic period (3000 BC), era of evolvement for the "Syros - Keros Civilization".

In 1207 AD Syros is seized by the Venetians and becomes part of the Aegean ducat along with the other islands of Cyclades. Ano Syros is built then on the hill of the same name, where the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George is situated. A few centuries later during the Greek Revolution, Ermoupoli was built by refugees of Asia Minor (1821) and other Aegean islands (Chios, Psara, Hydra) that were deserted by their inhabitants due to the Turks (1822).

When today's visitor arrives in Syros by boat initially catches sight of the rocky palisades. When arriving at the port of Ermoupoli you are impressed by the spectacle created by the two hills of the city (the hill of the medieval Ano Syros with the Cathedral of St.George and the hill with the orthodox cathedral of the Resurrection), that seem to protect the neoclassical capital of the island with the unlimited beauty and nobility. The entire city is a monument for neoclassicism, with its magnificent marble mansions, paved streets and monuments. The City Hall (built by Bavarian architect Chiller), the "Apollon" theater (which is a copy-reduction of the "La Scala" in Milan), the Cultural Center, the City Library with its rare editions, the Archaeological Museum (where there are exhibits of finds from the Protocycladic civilization, Hellenistic and Roman period) and Miaouli square, which represents the center of society life with the City Hall, the cafes and the marble buildings around it, are some of the sights of the city. The island's secondary city is Ano Syros, built high on the hill to protect the residents from raids.

The Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, the museum for local composer Marcos Vamvakaris, the narrow roads and the little snow-white houses that enchant visitors and provide pleasurable walks.