The ancient location of Grammata (Syros)

At the location Grammata, at the northern end of Syra, a third-century temple of Asclepius, patron of travellers, was converted to the church of St. Fokas. Remnants of simple structures are found there, as well as a great number of inscriptions by seafarers who took refuge there from the seastorms or, went up in order to observe the sea passage from the lookout of Skopi. These engravings are testimonies to their adventures in the Aegean Archipelagos. The study of Klonas Stefanos aimed mainly at recording these inscriptions of Syra from antiquity and the middle ages, which include the ones found at Grammata. They are classified in terms of their content, into Christian and idolatric. The former belong to Roman times and the latter to the Byzantine period. As for their type, they belong to the votive variety, where the name, official title and place of origin of the donator are included. Out of the idolatric inscriptions, most invoke Asclepius. The Christian ones are framed within a square and bear at the top the sign of the cross. They begin with invocations such as «Lord, aid thy servant», or «Christ, be merciful». Out of the saints, St Fokas is mentioned, who was the patron saint of sailors before St Nicholas took over.

            Some inscriptions are still readable, though barely. The absence of coordinated preservation work has to a great degree, impacted adversely on their legibility.

            Today, it is Nature that finds refuge in the bay of Grammata, unprotected herself, engaging in her own engraving as a measure against the unfairness of humans and of time.