Cyclades Guide - Escale Yachting

48
Ermoupoli is unique
Ermoupoli is the capital of Syros and all islands of the Cyclades. It
developed during the War of Independence and soon became a large
transit centre between the East and the West.
With the passage of time, small industries, workshops and the
Neorion shipyards were set up in the city. The economic peak of
Ermoupoli was accompanied by cultural growth, thus resulting in the
formation of the first purely Greek bourgeoisie. This was also depicted
in the architecture of the new city, with impressive results.
Today Ermoupoli forms a monumental architectural set, unique in all
of Greece!
Beauty unveiled on every corner
Towards the heart of the city lies an impressive 19th century square
with the statue of Andreas Miaoulis (1899), a marble music podium
(1907), tall palm trees, and several cafes. The grand three-storey
building of the Town Hall dominates the square. It is an architectural
gem, designed by Ernst Ziller and established in 1876, featuring
towers, a monumental staircase, internal courtyards, colonnades and
galleries. The Town Hall also accommodates the Archaeological
Museum of Ermoupoli.
The “Hellas” club (1862-63) building accommodates the Cultural
Centre of the Municipality of Ermoupoli, a rich Municipal Library, the
"Ermoupoli” art gallery, and the large ball room.
In the area known as Vaporia, a genuinely neoclassical architectural
set with wonderful19th century mansions, lies the sublime church of
Agios Nikolaos (the Rich), established in 1848. This is also the location
of the monument of the Unburied Soldier, a work of the sculptor G.
Vitalis (1880). The famous icon of the Virgin, a signed El Greco piece,
painted in his early period, is exhibited at the church of Kimisi
(Dormition of the Virgin) (1828). Evangelistria is the Catholic cathedral
in Ermoupoli, while the Orthodox cathedral is the church of
Metamorfosi Sotiros (Transformation of the Saviour).
The neoclassical building of the Customs Office (1834) which currently
accommodates the Cyclades Art Gallery, the quarantine building with
its impressive architecture, and the Neorion shipyards established in
1860, are all located in the port area.
The ship repair and building yard which continue the island's
shipbuilding tradition are located in the same area.
The Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli is a unique museum with rare
exhibits from the industrial, marine and commercial life of the island.