SYROS TRAVEL GUIDE

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CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

Temple of Theotokou

The temple of Koimisi of Theotokou was built in 1826. It is a triple-naved basilica without a dome. There are many baroque elements and the chancel screen is made of marble, while the pulpit and the gate are made of wood decorated with leaves of gold. The decoration of the roof uses ornaments from the early Christian years. The temple was bombed in 1943, when the holy bema was utterly destroyed, only to be rebuilt in 1951.

The temple’s main attraction is the icon of the Dormition which was painted by Dominicus Theotokopoulos (El Greco), dating from 1562-64, while the artist was in his early twenties and still a disciple at the famous Cretan School of Hagiography. His signature can be seen in the base of the middle candlestick. It has been in the temple since 1850 and was authenticated by the archaeologist, Georgios Mastoropoulos, in 1983. The painting reveals the painter’s mastery of the “Byzantine” style shortly before abandoning Crete in 1567.

Agios Stefanos

This lovely chapel is located in the village of Galissas, north-west of Ermoupolis, and stands on a rock, overlooking the sea, surrounded by a landscape of incredible, unspoiled beauty.

Church of Agios Nikolaos

The Holy Temple of Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of Ermoupolis, is a triple-naved, cross-shaped domed basilica, one of the most impressive temples in the entire country. It was founded by the eparch of the Cyclades, Daneil, in 1848, while the marble propylon was completed in 1870.

Agios Dimitrios

This church was built on the site where the wonderful icon of Agios Dimitrios was found. It is visible from the sea by those who arrive by boat. It overlooks the town of Hermoupolis, and its bell rings every time a ship arrives in the port of Syros.

Metamorphosis

This is the most important Orthodox Church of Ermoupolis, and of the entire island. It is, today, the seat of the orthodox Mitropolis (bishop) of Syros and has some exceptional icons and woodcarvings.

It is particularly interesting because its interior has a wonderful baroque architecture and decoration, which is unusual for an orthodox church.