Churches

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CHURCHES

One of the most unique characteristics of Syros is the typical coexistence of the Orthodox and Catholic religion, a truly unique coexistence reflecting the island’s cosmopolitan and liberal character. From one end to the other the Catholic cathedrals, the Orthodox churches and picturesque chapels that seem to hover between Earth and sky invited pilgrims to pray and experience the ultimate spirituality.

AGIOS DIMITRIOS

On May 25th of 1936 Manousos Pelekis from Ermoupoli had a vision which led him to the icon of Saint Demetrios.

After the command of the Metropolitan of Syros at the time, Filaretos a magnificent stone church of Byzantine style with a dome was built in the exact place where the icon was found, a church greeting the ships that arrived. The Temple stands out for the stone walls on the inside as well as the few icons that adorn them. Ships arriving or leaving the port of Ermoupolis whistle just as they pass from St. Demetrios while the priest of the temple, greets them back by ringing the bells.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS

The Church of St. Nicholas is a magnificent Byzantine Church near Miaouli square that began to be manufactured in 1848 according to the designs of G. Metaxas and the consent of King Otto.

The church was finally completed in 1870. Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Ermoupoli stands out for its lavish interiors and impressive architectural structure, the icon of St. Nicholas that was silver-plated in Moscow, the despotic marble throne, the pulpit and the marble iconostasis that was designed by George Vitali. This is a two-storied monumental temple with marble bell towers, an imposing marble staircase and marble propylaeums, ionic columns, archaic motifs, arcades, sculptured decorations, grey-blue slates and a unique iconostasis definitely worth seeing. The church’s icons were created by some of the best hagiographers of the time while many Greeks from abroad as well as ship-owners helped for the construction of the temple.

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HISTORY

Today Syros with its capital Hermoupolis is an island gem with a well-developed economy, tourism and agricultural production while the operation of the shipyard, of public services, of the Department of product and systems design engineering at the University of the Aegean as well, contribute to the long-term development of the island.

Architecture

It is not a surprise that the Queen of the Cyclades stands out for its impressive architectural culture that has predetermined the unparalleled blossoming of the Cycladic civilization

Entertainment

The cosmopolitan island of Syros is a picturesque island offering various choices of entertainment for all tastes and preferences

Museums

Syros is an island famous both for its blooming culture as well as its long history. A history unfolding from ancient times and slowly passing through the industrial heritage, the ecclesiastical Orthodox and Catholic tradition and all the way to the tunes of “rebetika”. A story that is coming alive through the exceptional exhibits in all museums found on the island.

Archaeological Sites

In addition to the historical, cultural and nautical heritage that Syros is well known for it is also an island of great archaeological wealth worth discovering

Sightseeing

Syros is a beautiful island of the Cyclades, famous for its incomparable culture and civilization offering an abundance of sights and historical attractions that testify the island’s cultural flourishing over the centuries.

Beaches & Water Sports

The beaches of the island are some of the nicest beaches of the Cyclades meeting the tastes and preferences of all travelers

Customs & traditions

The morals, customs and traditions of the island are revived during religious holidays and local events inspired by the roots of the past. The traces of the local cultures are awaken through various customs such as Fotaerides, Klidonas, Koulouma, Choirosfagia, the Carnival of Syros and the unique Easter celebrations.