Syros Page 3

The Archeology Museum (8:30-3, closed Mon, fee) is in the left of the square and contains finds from Syros and other islands dating from Pre-Cycladic through the Roman era. The nearby Velissaropoulos Mansion has elaborate ceiling and wall decor characteristic of old Ermoupolis and is open to the public during business hours.

Chios Street is where you find the bustling markets. Chios Street and the surrounding closely packed streets leading from the harbor offer picturesque views and interesting shopping for local delicacies and staples.

Several Churches of both denominations serve the town. The Transfiguration or Metamorphosis is the main Greek Orthodox Cathedral and sits immediately behind the square. It possesses a baroque interior, a style rare in Greek Orthodoxy. Just up from the harbor is the Church of the Annunciation with its unique icon The Assumption painted by El Greco.

The Karavia (also known as Vaporia) quarter of town, which begins along the upper waterfront, contains unique, old and restored mansions belonging to now departed ship owners and wealthy merchants. Their elaborately carved marble facades and richly decorated interior frescoes and painted ceilings are a testament to the inexpensiveness of labor in bygone days. The local square holds the Church of Aghios Nikolaos with its blue and gold dome. This church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. The church contains a carved marble iconostasis by Vitalis of Tinos. In front of the church is the world's first Monument to the Unknown Soldier, also by Vitalis.

Three town beaches are further along the shore and attainable by marble steps leading down.

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