The Countryside of Syros

                                                            

 

In the period before Independence (1821), Syros had no other town comparable in size or character to Ano Syros. However, all over the countryside there were microscopic hamlets-and, above all, self-contained units of farm buildings, called themonies, ( literally “hay-stacks”) near the areas where the villagers had their fields and flocks. Each themonia would consist of a house, barns, a stable, a threshing-floor and other structures. Such complexes are to be found both in the mountainous north of the island , called Ano Meria and on the small plains of the south and west.

Ano Meria can be reched along the road leading to Ano Syros, which continues after the town to Finikia, Mytakas, Kyperousa, sa Michali, Kambos and Syringa ( where there are famous springs). Alla these places have fine views of the interior of the island and out across the Aegean. A branch off the road leads to the archaelogical sites at Halandriani, Kastri and Grammata.

 

After the founding of Ermoupoli, Piskopio, Talanta, Parakopi, Chrousa and Dellagrazia became resort areas where the wealthy citizens of Ermoupoli built their country houses.