Syros Island (Greece)

Syros Island is part of Cyclades Islands (Greece), located in Aegean Sea and southwest of Athens (mainland Greece). Island's port Ermoupolis became a major port in the 19th century. Ermoupolis is Cyclades' capital and largest city.

During Middle Ages (476-1492), Syros was the only Greek island with entirely Roman Catholic population. This was result of conversions by the Franks who conquered the isle in 1207. This gave it the support of the French during Ottoman Empire times (1299-1919). During Greek War of Independence (1821-32) Syros remained neutral and thousands of refugees ravaged by the Ottoman Turks fled here. With them came the Orthodox religion and a new settlement was established (Vrondado) and also the port town Ermoupolis.

Ermoupolis became Greece's naval, cultural and commercial centre after the country gained its independence in 1832. Today's catholic population is around 40% (Orthodox 60%). City's neoclassical mansions and grand churches are testimonies to its former grandeur.

Syros Island cruise terminal