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ERMOUPOLI

The open air museum of Syros

From the imposing Town Hall in Miaouli Square and the Apollon Theater to the aristocratic mansions and the Church of Agios Nikolaos of the Rich in the Vaporia district, Ermoupoli is much more than the capital of Syros. It is an open-air museum worth exploring from end to end.

It is the main port of Syros, with ferry connections to Piraeus and Rafina and other Greek islands, and is only 3km from the airport, which has regular direct flights to Athens. There are cafes, restaurants and shops filled with life all year round.

The capital of the Cyclades

Ermoupoli is the administrative centre of Syros and the rest of the Cyclades. But it is very different from the main settlements of other Cycladic islands, known for their sugar-cubed houses and whitewashed splendor.

Instead, you are treated to neoclassical architecture and a cosmopolitan aura that can be traced back to Syros’ commercial and artistic flourishing in the 1800s, following the arrival of the refugees from surrounding Greek islands and Asia Minor after the Greek Revolution of 1821.

In the decades that followed, Syros’ new residents contributed to Ermoupoli becoming a commercial, industrial and shipping centre in Greece (second only to Athens in importance and population). It was named after Hermes, the god of commerce and messengers, and as its wealth grew so did its thriving artistic and cultural scene.

A walking tour of Ermoupoli

Strolling through the narrow streets and fascinating neighborhoods of Ermoupoli, you are instantly transported to a bygone era through monuments and buildings that represent Syros’ imperious history.

The heart of Ermoupoli is Miaouli Square, dominated by the grand Town Hall, which is still the political, social and cultural hub of the island. It is one of the biggest and most impressive town halls in Greece and a work of legendary 19th-century German architect Ernst Ziller, who was inspired by three different architectural styles.

The Archaeological Museum of Syros (one of the oldest museums in Greece) is housed in four rooms of the Town Hall, with a separate entrance on Emmanouil Benaki Street. And in nearby Vardaka Square, the Apollo Theater was designed by Italian architect Pietro Sampo, who was partly inspired by La Scala di Milano. Sampo also designed the Cultural Center of Ermoupolis in 1863, another fitting symbol of the cultural heritage of the city.

Not to be missed on any stroll around Ermoupoli is Agios Nikolaos of the Rich, a magnificent church of inestimable cultural importance. This brings you into aristocratic Vaporia, and a charming district of Ermoupoli known for the colourful mansion houses built in the 19th century. Vaporia is also popular with both locals and visitors for a quick swim followed by a coffee or sunset cocktails.

Back at the harbour, the Gallery of the Cyclades is housed in one of the original 1830s warehouses, where cargo was delivered or loaded onto visiting ships. The gallery hosts periodic art exhibitions (mainly during the summer months) and has a small theatre that stages plays and concerts.

Other museums in Ermoupoli include the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Industrial and Textile museum, the Cycladic Art Replicas Exhibition, the Historical Archives of the Cyclades and the Kyveli Institute.

AREA OVERVIEW

NEARBY LOCATIONS

  • ERMOUPOLI

    From the imposing Town Hall in Miaouli Square and the Apollon Theater to the aristocratic mansions and the Church of Agios Nikolaos of the Rich in the Vaporia district, Ermoupoli is much more than the capital of Syros. It is an open-air museum worth exploring from end to end. It is the main port of…
  • A SPORTS BAR & DINNER

    A Sports Bar & Dinner is an impressive coffee bar in the heart of the city. It is a great hangout for sports fans and the ideal place to enjoy a coffee and unique dishes with cold beer watching the match of one’s beloved team. Tel.: +30 22810 81981 Email: [email protected]
  • MIAOULI SQUARE

    The historic Miaoulis square is the cultural hub of the island.
  • ELLINIKO KAFENEIO

    Housed in a marble neoclassical building in the heart of Miaouli square, Elliniko Kafeneio emanates the nostalgia and elegant vibes of a bygone era allowing guests to unwind in an environment reflecting the grandeurs of the past. From scrumptious breakfast choices prepared with the finest local ingredients, to authentic flavors with gourmet touches of inspiration,…
  • THE TOWN HALL OF ERMOUPOLIS

    The City Hall of Ermoupolis is an architectural, cultural and historic gem worth discovering.
  • ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF ERMOUPOLI

    The archaeological museum of Ermoupolis is one of the oldest museums of Greece that is worth visiting.
  • HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OF THE CYCLADES

    The Historical Archive of the Cyclades welcomes visitors to familiarize with the martial and cultural history of the island through scripts from different eras.
  • MUNICIPAL LIBRARY

    The municipal library of Syros is the gate to history, knowledge and culture.
  • PIKRALIDA

    Η Σύρα των στενών, του λευκού και του ορίζοντα. Του σκληρού φωτός και της κοινωνικότητας. Των υπαίθριων μουσικών και των ερωτευμένων δημιουργών. Σε ένα στενό της Ερμούπολης, το καφενείο-στέκι των φίλων και των αγαπημένων: «Η Πικραλίδα». Μικρά τραπεζάκια, εξαίσιο περιβάλλον, σερβίρισμα με τραγούδι, πιάτα ντόπια και πασίγνωστα, μυρωδιές που σπάνε μύτη, γεύσεις που εδραιώνονται στον ουρανίσκο,…
  • GRECO

    Greco Café is an atmospheric Café in Ermoupoli where guests can enjoy their coffee and relax with their friends. Tel.: +302281081513 Mobile.: 6936334452 E-mail: [email protected]  
  • ITHAKI TOU AI

  • ANEMOLOGIO

  • CULTURAL CENTER OF ERMOUPOLIS

    The cultural center of Syros adorns the city with its impressive architecture and cultural identity.
  • CYCLADIC ART REPLICAS EXHIBITION

    The Museum of Cycladic Art takes visitors to bygone eras through the magnificence of the cycladic civilization of the 3rd millennium BC.
  • THE PHILHARMONIC OF ERMOUPOLIS

    Wanting to promote and expand the island’s cultural heritage the municipality of Syros decides to establish the Municipal Philharmonic Company of Ermoupolis in 1869 under the supervision of the teacher at the time Delfino Spineli. Unfortunately this attempt was unsuccessful and thus the Philharmonic was dissolved around 1872. In 1880, the School for the Needy…
  • SYRA

  • THE APOLLON THEATER

    The Apollo Municipal Theater is an impressive cultural center with influences from the Italian and French architecture.
  • ELIA

    Elia bar-restaurant is the ultimate Art space  that combines fun with entertainment at one of the most historic buildings of the city centre. There, you can enjoy unique culinary creations and refreshing cocktails in a truly spectacular atmosphere. Tel.:+30 2281076301  
  • SYROS CHESS CLUB

    Syros Chess Club was founded in 1976 and counts 82 members between the ages of 5 and 74 years old. It organizes national championships, representing the island of Syros in the Aegean Championship having already won some major distinctions. It also cooperates with the primary schools of Syros with chess tutorials in order to preserve…
  • SEVERO CAFE-BAR

    Severo starts the new season with a new striking identity. The new renovated space comes to revolutionize the nights of its guests with a unique energy and elegance. The evenings gain character and style with the accompaniment of the most distinct musical choices and fresh cocktails. Tel.: +30 2281 088243
  • PETRINO

  • ARCHONTARIKI TIS MARITSAS

  • SYROS LYCEUM OF GREEK WOMEN

    Continuing its long history since it was founded in 1915 as the first regional senior high school, Syros Lyceum of Greek Women still holds the leading role in all cultural events of Syros by preserving and spreading the national traditions, the manners and customs of the island. Among other things The Lyceum features a locker…
  • AERIKO

  • THE HIGH SCHOOL OF SYROS

    The High School of Syros was the cornerstone for the further development of education as the first high school of the Greek Νation.
  • EN ERMOUPOLI

    The rooms En Ermoupoli are housed in a picturesque building of 1908 that has managed to preserve intact some elements of the past while offering all the modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxing accommodation in Ermoupoli. Guests can relax in the blissful environs, enjoy a refreshing drink at the Roof Garden and explore the Lady of Cyclades from side to side without the use of any kind of transportation. Open all year round Year of construction: 1908, Last Renovation: 2013 Room types 1 single room 4 double 1 triple room 1 studio 2 suites 1 two rooms- apartment Contact:  Manager: NOMIKOS GIORGIS…
  • PLAZA CAFE & CROISSANT

    Plaza Café & Croissant offers a charming and elegant space where one can enjoy the most aromatic cappuccino, wonderful sweet and savory crepes, tasty snacks, juices and drinks throughout the day. Tel.: +3022810 75146 E-mail: [email protected]
  • KOUZINA

  • LIQUID MUSIC BAR

    Liquid Music Bar is a nice hangout in the heart of Syros for those who want to enjoy their coffee, a refreshing drink or have fun with the party events and dj dance shows organized by the owners. Tel.: +30 22810 83974