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Church of Agios Georgios of Syros
The Cathedral of Agios Georgios, also known as San Giorgio, is a stunning landmark in Ano Syros, the medieval hilltop settlement offering sweeping views of Ermoupolis, the vibrant capital of Syros. Built around 1200 on the site of an earlier Byzantine church, it stands as the largest and most beautiful Catholic church on the island and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syros.
Throughout its fascinating history, the cathedral has undergone numerous restorations. The most significant restoration took place in 1834, after it was destroyed by the Ottomans in 1617—an event that also led to the loss of many diocesan records. The church's reconstruction, led by the renowned Tinian architect Hatzisimos Nikolaos, gave it its current grand form. In recent decades, further conservation efforts have ensured its continued preservation.
The cathedral complex includes the main church, a three-story bell tower built in 1855, a baptistery (originally the Chapel of the Holy Cross), the vestry, the diocesan archive building, and the bishop’s palace. The cathedral’s architectural style is a three-aisled basilica, with two rows of elegant marble columns that divide the aisles. The central aisle is topped with a cylindrical dome. Inside, the church is adorned with exquisite artwork, including rare icons and a portrait of Bishop Andreas Kargas, a martyr who was executed by the Ottomans. The church’s entrance is decorated with murals and statues of saints, crafted by Italian artists in the 18th century.
One of the cathedral’s most prized relics is the revered Icon of the Virgin Mary of Hope, believed to have miraculously protected the people of Ano Syros from a cholera outbreak in August 1854. Other significant religious artifacts include the icons of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Peter, and Saint Andrew. Additionally, the cathedral is home to the oldest pipe organ in Greece, which was originally gifted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 to the Athens Cathedral and later relocated to Syros in 1951.
Visitors can reach the cathedral by walking through the picturesque stone alleys of Ano Syros, which lead to the top of the hill where the church proudly stands. From its elevated position, the cathedral offers panoramic views of Ermoupolis and the sparkling Aegean Sea, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
