Syros ...Ano Syros (=Upper Syros)

For many visitors, the "crème de la crème" of Ermoupolis is Ano Syros ( Upper Syros ), the medieval Catholic village seen cascading down toward the city from the top of the hill.  At the very top is the Cathedral of St. George, the seat of the Catholic community since 1652, established during the time of the Venetian occupation that began in 1207. Like nearby Tinos and Naxos, Syros has a large Catholic population, just one of the many legacies left by the Venetians.

Built around 1200 AD, the cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, the last being in 1834. This fantastic village has marvelous houses, old walls, narrow lanes and arches, and has retained much of its medieval character over the centuries. Its steep streets and countless steps (900, give or take) lend the town the charm of a bygone age.  As you make your way down from the top, you’ll come to the monasteries of the Jesuits and Capuchins, dating to 1535.

In the center of the village is the Town Hall, with the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Syros, and the Museum devoted to the popular composer Markos Vamvakaris, revered as one of the masters of the "rebetika songs" of Greek music.