Having experienced a huge commercial and cultural development
until the early years of the 20th century, Syros
has gradually become the Pôle d'attraction of travellers of high cultural and
social status.
Seductive
Syros flourished during the 19th century, as it became one of the most dominant
crossroads in the Aegean and an international commercial center linking Western
Europe and the Mediterranean Sea to the East.
While
largely commercial, Syros provided the vehicle
for all sort of creative exchange between tremendously diverse people and
cultures making itself a major cultural center and the home of the elite and
upper class of that period.
A
fascinating cultural and religious diversity
With the
Greek language, national consciousness and the place as the only common
elements, Syros is truly a diverse island
where the idea of multiculturalism has become a way of life.
This place
is an important example of a meaningful and creative coexistence of two worlds
with strong differentiation at every level.
The
Medieval Catholic Ano Syros, on one hand and the Neoclassical Orthodox
Hermoupolis, on the other share a distinct physiognomy and individual character
that has actually shaped a unique dipole of attraction!
Hermoupolis,
from a glorious past to a bright new era
One of the
most impressive maritime towns with long naval tradition, Hermoupolis, named
after the Ancient Greek god of commerce Hermes, imposing and classy, is a
magnificent open-air museum of aristocratism and neoclassicism crowned as the
capital of the island and at the same time the Cyclades.
Stepped in
spiritual and artistic tradition and dotted with plenty of museums and
galleries, distinct restaurants, spirited cafes and colorful shops, Hermoupolis
is considered one of the most cosmopolitan towns in the Greek Islands - the
ultimate escape for discerning travellers and celebrities, including many
distinguished movie stars, singers, artists, politicians and aristocratic
families from all around the world who come here every year to savor summer in
a noble environment.
The
city, an open-air museum
With a
city center largely untouched, Hermoupolis has remained virtually the same over
the centuries. As a traveller you will feel like stepping back in the brilliant
past from its rich architectural beauty evident on magnificent public buildings
like the City Hall, built by architect Ernst Schiller, and 'Apollo' Theater, a
miniature of Milan's famous opera house 'Teatro alla Scala', on elegant
Venetian mansions with fascinating gardens, grandiose marble-paved squares and
streets and imposing churches.
Vaporia,
a prestigious district
Home to
rich sea captains and wealthy families of the past, Vaporia, meaning
"ships" in Greek, is the most picturesque neighborhood in
Hermoupolis. Superb neoclassical mansions, with high ceilings, frescoes, marble
balconies, wooden floors and carved wooden doors, seem like ships hanging over
the rocks right on the water. If you want a full old world experience, take a
stroll there to admire the buildings, the stunning church of St. Nicholas
Ano
Syros, like a movie set
A unique
town with a distinct personality telling a story through its monuments and its
medieval buildings and a catholic identity unfolding through its monasteries
and churches, Ano Syros will make you feel like you left the real World
and
stepped onto a movie set.
Frozen
in Medieval times
Perched
high on a hilltop, with a medieval aroma and unbeatable charm, Ano Syros, is
one of the best preserved fortified towns of the Aegean
and one of the few that are still inhabited. Countless steps between narrow
passageways and white houses with wooden balconies and colored doors lead to
the top of the town, crowned by the imposing Catholic cathedral of "San
Tzortzis", an absolutely breathtaking place to stroll around at sunset.
Steeped
into the rhythm of 'Rebetiko'
A
legendary voice, Markos Vamvakaris the 'patriarch of the rebetiko', else known
as the 'Greek Blues', famous for 'Frankosyriani' song in which he praises the
beauties of the island, was born on Syros .
Housed in a restored building in Piatsa of Ano Syros, 'Markos Vamvakaris
Museum' honors this exceptional composer, singer and innovative virtuoso
bouzouki player with exhibits taking you back in time and inviting you to
whisper the lyrics of his songs.
A
cuisine, enshrined in long history
Shaped by
its multicultural diversities and the different civilizations that have
influenced cultures through the ages, the cuisine of Syros, with a cosmopolitan
ambience and the special characteristics of the land and seas, reveals itself
and is ready to seduce you.
The
cuisine of Syros
has been greatly influenced
by different conquerors and refugees who have left their own culinary stamp
through time. With thousand spicy flavors from Asia Minor and the Levant, with
velvety touches from the Venetians, the distinct mastic aroma from Chios and
other dreamlike flavours from the North Aegean Islands, Syros has created its
own unique cuisine that will thrill the palettes of even the most demanding
guests.
Della
Grazia, The Belle Époque
Della
Grazia's old charm rivals any other place outskirts in Syros
and needs to be towards the top of any itinerary for the island.
Adorned
with exquisite neoclassical mansions with beautiful mosaics, lush gardens and
pine trees, Della Grazia used to be the holiday resort of the wealthy class who
built their retreat mansions there.
Della
Grazia still boasts some truly incredible and well-preserved mansions - places
that went under total renovation by their new owners and are available for
rent. Choosing among those to spend your summer time will definitely travel you
to the glamour of the Belle Époque of
Syros .
A
cultural recreation
From
street celebrations to international festivals, there's a lot to discover! Syros is host to a vibrant cultural calendar that is
clock-full of effervescent and eye-catching events becoming gradually a
destination for cultural discovery. From dance and theatrical performances,
guitar and classical music festivals to the International Film Festival and the
innovative Digital Festival, Syros is bursting
from festive fever no mater what time of the year you go, making travelling an
incredible experience.
A wedding
bliss
A wedding
at Syros is guaranteed to blow up your social
media accounts!
Despite
her glorious past, Syros has adopted an
anonymity preserving the genuineness of her heritage. On the other hand
however, its outstanding natural beauties, magnificent beaches with romantic
sunsets, picturesque villages and quiet evenings, elevated dining and vibrant
market scene come to complete the irresistible setting creating an upcoming
wedding destination - the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable marriage.
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