A walking tour of wonderfully preserved Ano Syros
he ultimate fortress town, wonderfully preserved Ano Syros allows you to explore a world of Cycladic architecture and Venetian charm, punctuated by magical views of the South Aegean.
You’ll soon find out why Ano Syros looks the way it does. Winding streets so narrow there’s barely a straight line to be seen… whitewashed and colourful houses squeezed in so tightly they appear virtually interwoven… and from the top of the many-stepped, amphitheatrically shaped settlement, views of the South Aegean that are simply extraordinary. It’s because Ano Syros was once the ultimate fortress town, with gates that once sealed the town and allowed residents to ward off or flee from pirate raids. The result is that visitors today can explore a most wonderfully preserved settlement. It’s a completely different experience to the stately charm of the mansion houses of Syros’ main town, Ermoupoli.
To meander through the cobblestone streets of Upper Syros (as the name translates) is to uncover the medieval and Catholic character introduced by the Venetians from the 13th century, within a setting that is also Cycladic. Still dominating the highest point of the town is the Catholic Cathedral of Agios Giorgos (or San Giorgis). On clear days you can see the islands of Tinos, Delos, Paros and Naxos.
You can spend hours exploring bougainvillea-filled courtyards, tiny churches, quaint little tavernas and shops, and perfectly maintained balconies and front doors. And there are numerous historical stops you can make along the way.
And in case you were wondering how you’d find your way out the maze of tiny alleyways? You just have to find the one with the white line. It’s the main street. Nowadays, it seems, Ano Syros wants the outside world to find it.
Source : https://www.discovergreece.com/
