Syros history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Syros is rooted in deep antiquity: archaeological findings in the areas of Chalandriani and Kastri confirm the existence of a developed Cycladic civilization here as early as the 3rd millennium BC. The island is even mentioned under the name "Syrie" in Homer's "Odyssey".

However, the modern administrative centre, Ermoupolis, has a more recent history of foundation. It emerged in the 1820s as a settlement for refugees from the islands of Chios, Psara, and Crete, who sought safety during the Greek War of Independence. It was this influx of population that transformed the quiet island into a bustling centre of life.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid rise of Syros in the 19th century was driven by a unique combination of circumstances:

• Geographical Location: Situated in the very centre of the Cyclades archipelago, the island possesses an excellent natural harbour, making it an ideal transit point for maritime trade between East and West.
• Trade Potential: The arriving settlers were experienced merchants and shipowners. They brought capital, business connections, and an entrepreneurial spirit, quickly turning the city into a commercial hub.
• Security: Historically established protection from Western powers (due to the large Catholic community in Ano Syros) provided the island with relative neutrality and stability, which were essential for business.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

By the mid-19th century, Syros was already being called the "Manchester of Greece". Shipbuilding flourished here (the Neorion shipyard became one of the first and largest in the region), along with the textile industry and leather production. Before the rise of the Athenian port of Piraeus, it was the port of Syros that served as the main maritime hub of the newly formed Greek state.

Economic success contributed to a cultural blossoming. The wealthy bourgeoisie built up the city with magnificent neoclassical mansions. It was here that the first gymnasium in modern Greece opened, as well as the famous Apollo Theatre, which became a miniature replica of La Scala in Milan.

Major Milestones in the History of Syros

• 3rd millennium BC — Flourishing of the early Cycladic civilization on the island, confirmed by archaeological finds in the settlements of Chalandriani and Kastri.
• 6th century BC — The philosopher Pherecydes, considered the teacher of Pythagoras, lives and works on Syros.
• 1207 — The island is captured by the Venetians led by Marco Sanudo, incorporating it into the Duchy of the Archipelago.
• 13th century — Foundation of the fortified settlement of Ano Syros on the hilltop to protect inhabitants from pirate raids.
• 1537 — The island passes under the control of the Ottoman Empire but retains self-governance privileges and religious freedom for Catholics.
• 1821–1824 — Massive influx of Greek refugees from the islands of Chios, Psara, and Crete fleeing military conflicts, which spurred the development of the port.
• 1826 — The new settlement by the sea officially receives the name Ermoupolis in honour of Hermes, the ancient deity of trade.
• 1833 — The first gymnasium in the independent Greek state opens in Ermoupolis, becoming a training ground for the intellectual elite.
• 1861 — Foundation of the "Neorion" shipbuilding company, one of the oldest and most important shipyards in the Mediterranean.
• 1864 — Grand opening of the Apollo Theatre, an architectural masterpiece inspired by Italian opera houses.
• 1876 — Completion of the majestic Town Hall on Miaouli Square, designed by the famous architect Ernst Ziller.
• Late 19th century — With the opening of the Corinth Canal and the growth of the port of Piraeus, the gradual decline of Syros's trade dominance begins.
• 1941–1944 — During the Second World War, the island endures difficult times of occupation and famine, which significantly reduced the population.
• 2000 — Opening of faculties of the University of the Aegean in Ermoupolis, marking a new stage of cultural and educational revival for the island.

Key Stages of the City's Development

Ermoupolis has journeyed from a spontaneous refugee settlement to the administrative and cultural capital of the Cyclades. Here are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance and status of the city:

• Implementation of Urban Planning. Unlike medieval Ano Syros with its labyrinthine alleys, the lower city was built according to European urban planning standards.
  Significance: Wide streets and spacious squares (especially Miaouli Square) gave the city a metropolitan grandeur and ensured a comfortable environment for the growing population.
• Creation of a Transit Port. Utilizing the advantageous geographical position to create a free trade zone (porto franco).
  Significance: The port became the economic heart of the city, turning Syros into the main commercial hub of the Eastern Mediterranean in the mid-19th century and ensuring an influx of capital.
• Industrialization and the Launch of "Neorion". Opening of the first modern shipyard and metallurgical plant in Greece.
  Significance: Transition from a purely trading economy to an industrial one. This created jobs, formed a class of technical intelligentsia, and allowed for the construction of the first Greek steamships.
• Construction of Monumental Public Buildings. Erection of the Town Hall, the Apollo Theatre, and the Customs House involving the best architects (including Ernst Ziller).
  Significance: Architectural consolidation of the status of a wealthy bourgeois city. These buildings continue to form a unique neoclassical ensemble that attracts tourists to this day.
• Development of Publishing and Education. Opening of printing houses and prestigious gymnasiums.
  Significance: The city became the intellectual beacon of the region, where the Greek elite was formed, newspapers were published, and European literature was translated.
• Conservation of the Historic Centre. During the economic downturn of the 20th century (due to the rise of Piraeus), the city avoided mass modern construction.
  Significance: This "frozen time" allowed for the preservation of the integrity of the architectural heritage, which in the 21st century has become the island's main tourism asset.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architectural landscape of Syros is unique in its duality. Two completely different cities coexist here: the medieval Catholic Ano Syros on the hilltop and the neoclassical Orthodox Ermoupolis by the sea. Such a combination is rarely found on other Cycladic islands, where the white and blue colour scheme usually dominates.

The Middle Ages and Venetian Influence (13th–18th Centuries)

This period is represented by the architecture of the upper town — Ano Syros. Urban planning here was dictated by the need for protection against pirates.

• Style: Defensive architecture with elements of Venetian design and Cycladic minimalism.
• Features: Houses are built close to one another, forming an outer defensive wall. Streets are narrow, winding, with many steps and arches (stegadi) to confuse invaders. Car traffic is impossible here.
• Iconic Landmarks: The Catholic Cathedral of Saint George (San Giorgio) at the very top of the hill, dominating the settlement.

Neoclassicism and Romanticism (19th Century)

The golden age of Syros, associated with the arrival of wealthy refugees and the flourishing of trade, gifted the island the appearance of Ermoupolis — a true open-air museum of neoclassicism. Unlike the chaotic upper town, the lower town was built according to a master plan.

• Style: Classicism and Neoclassicism.
• Features: Monumental marble facades, symmetry, porticos with columns, and painted ceilings inside mansions. Buildings were designed by renowned European and Greek architects (including Ernst Ziller).
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • City Town Hall: One of the most majestic examples of neoclassicism in Greece, located on Miaouli Square.
  • Apollo Theatre: An architectural miniature of Italian opera houses (influenced by Renaissance and Baroque traditions in the interior).
  • Vaporia District: The quarter of wealthy shipowners ("captains"), where luxurious mansions with high ceilings and frescoes are built right at the water's edge, reminiscent of "Little Venice".

Industrial Architecture (19th–20th Centuries)

The development of industry brought utilitarian yet expressive features to the city's appearance.

• Style: Industrial Functionalism.
• Features: Use of stone and brick for the construction of large production halls, warehouses, and shipyards.
• Iconic Landmarks: The buildings of the tanneries in the Kornari area and the historic structures of the "Neorion" shipyard, which still define the industrial profile of the port.

Distinguished Personalities of Syros

The history of the island is inextricably linked with the names of thinkers, creators, and public figures whose legacy has reached far beyond Greece. Here are the key figures who brought fame to Syros:

• Pherecydes (6th century BC) — Philosopher and Cosmologist
  An ancient thinker and native of the island. Considered the teacher of Pythagoras and one of the first Greek prose writers. In his work "Heptamychos", he first put forward the philosophical concept of the immortality of the soul. A cave where the philosopher reportedly lived has been preserved in the north of Syros.
• Neophytos Vamvas (1770–1855) — Educator and Pedagogue
  A key figure of the Greek Enlightenment. Becoming the first headmaster of the legendary gymnasium in Ermoupolis, he turned it into the main intellectual centre of free Greece in the 19th century. It was thanks to his efforts that Syros became a nursery for talent for the new state.
• Demetrius Vikelas (1835–1908) — Writer and Public Figure
  Born in Ermoupolis to a merchant family. He went down in history as the first President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He played a decisive role in organizing the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
• Emmanuel Rhoides (1836–1904) — Writer and Journalist
  A famous native of Ermoupolis, author of the controversial novel "Pope Joan". One of the wittiest and most brilliant stylists in Greek literature, whose works have been translated into many languages worldwide.
• Georgios Souris (1853–1919) — Satirical Poet
  A native of Syros, often called the "Modern Aristophanes". He became famous for publishing the unique newspaper "Romios", in which texts (including news and advertisements) were written exclusively in verse. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times.
• Markos Vamvakaris (1905–1972) — Musician and Composer
  Born in the upper town of Ano Syros. Recognized as the "patriarch" of the Rebetiko genre (Greek urban blues). Author of the famous song "Frangosyriani" (" The Catholic Girl from Syros"), which became the unofficial anthem of the island and one of the most recognizable Greek melodies in the world.