Syros Ano Syros

General information

The beautiful Venetian settlement of Ano Syros Town in Milos was built around 1200 AD and has become the catholic district of Ermoupolis. It is located to the left of the city, facing the orthodox settlement of Vrodado on the right side of Ermoupolis.

This wonderful settlement has been built amphitheatrically to protect inhabitants from enemies (mainly pirates), with houses built on top of one another. That way, a defensive fortress, stone walls, narrow streets, wooden balconies, and many arches and arcades were formed.

The combination of typical Cycladic architecture with medieval elements gives an interesting and beautiful result that will charm every visitor wandering around the little streets and numerous whitewashed steps of Ano Syros. At the highest point of the city stands the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, and nearby lies the Centre of Historical Studies.

Ano Syros is the birthplace of the famous rebetiko composer, singer, and bouzouki master Markos Vamvakaris (rebetiko is a popular underground music imported by the refugees of Asia Minor after 1821). A square has been named after him, and a small museum on the main square of Ano Syros, called Vamvakaris Museum, displays his personal effects and records.