The village of Ano Syros is situated on a hill and is a typical example of a Mediterranean settlement.

The first traces date from about 1.200 A.D.. Its site was chosen as a protection against pirates' incursions. The houses were built one on top of the other, thus, combined with its steep, rocky slopes, creating a perfect fortress against the enemies.

Narrow, winding alleys, linked by whitewashed steps and archways, wooden balconies and doors, small courtyards with a profusion of flowers are its main features. It is hard to know where private property ends and public property begins.

The architecture of Ano Syros has nothing in common with that of neoclassical Hermoupolis. They are two different worlds, even though they are so close.

The church of Agios Giorgios, "Saint Georges", crowns the hill of Ano Syros. It is the seat of the bishop (Mitropolis) of the catholic community of Syros.

The Jesuit and Capucine monasteries speak of the centuries-long presence of western culture on the island. Most of Ano Syros inhabitants are catholic Greeks. They are simple and hospitable people who maintain the traditions and customs of the village.

Apano Chora, as Ano Syros is sometimes called, is an absolute must for visitors. Strolling along the narrow streets and climbing the whitewashed stairways, one feels one is travelling back through the centuries

Piatsa is the "commercial centre" of Ano Syros. Here, one finds taverns, shops, small exhibition-galleries, etc.

It is only recently that more shops and taverns have opened on Piatsa. It is very pleasant to spend an evening on one of the terraces, listening to music - if you are lucky, you may happen upon an impromptu live concert. This is hardly surprising, as Ano Syros was the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris whose bronze bust has a place of honour on the small square bearing his name. This is the most lively part of the village, attracting many visitors.

Places of Interest (for more information on the places listed below, please click "Places to visit" on the menu on the left)

The village of Ano Syros offers a great many attractions to visitors of the island.

It is a well preserved Mediterranean village with all the characteristic features of the medieval era in which it was built: narrow streets , whitewashed steps, wooden balconies and doors and small courtyards filled with flower pots, are typical of its architecture.

While strolling through the village, one comes across a number of catholic churches and monasteries. Doubtlessly, the most impressive and interesting one is the church of Agios Georgios ("Saint Georges"), on the top of the hill. The Centre of Historical Studies of Catholic Bishopric is situated at the back.

Descending the steps, one comes upon the Jesuit monastery. Further along this road, we see the church of Agios Antonios. A few meters further down is the Capucine Monastery, with Agios Nikolaos in the vicinity .This is one of two orthodox churches of the village, the other one being Agia Triada.

Piatsa, the centre of Ano Syros, is also very near. A few steps down from the Piatsa, one finds the museum of Markos Vamvakaris.

The church of Agios Sevastianos is situated at the foot of the hill of Ano Syros.