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NEOCLASSICAL NOSTALGIA: A DATE WITH THE MANORIAL VILLAGES OF SYROS
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NEOCLASSICAL NOSTALGIA: A DATE WITH THE MANORIAL VILLAGES OF SYROS
Syros, Cyclades, Greece
Experience Seekers
Meet the Locals
About this experience
Highlights
- Village hop your way around stately Syros on a bespoke journey to Ermoupolis, Episkopio, Galisssas, Posidonia and Chrousa
- Walk amid nature and uncover tucked away old mansions
- Admire graceful neoclassical architecture and learn the history behind these high-ceilinged treasures
- Meet the locals and unlock the island’s hidden stories
- Indulge in a delicious authentic meal
- Snap the famous Virgin Mary Mermaid of Syros
Description
The manorial villages of Syros will lure you back to a simpler time when formal dances still lit up elegant living rooms, and gentlemen smoked their pipes while women took tea out on the front veranda. Neoclassical architecture - with its heady aura of romance - is woven into the cultural fabric of Syros.You’ll see what we mean at our first stop in Velissaropoulos Mansion stands in the heart of Ermoupoli. Built in 1870-73, during the commercial boom of Syros, by the greek eminent architect Ioannis Vlysidis, is a mirror of the turbulent history of the island. A typical neoclassical style private house with magnificent wall and ceiling paintings made by Italian painters. Our next stop, Episkopio village, which means “The resort of sovereigns”. Episkopio (or Piskopio as it’s also called) was the first metropolis of Syros and it was on these green hills that the first villas of the sovereigns were built.
In the past, it was the first seat of the Catholic Archibishop of Syros and also the residence of the bishop, hence the name of the settlement. Lavish mansions of the 19th century were built on his green hill, for this reason it was considered one of the most impressive resorts of the island.
Today, Episkopio remains one of the most beautiful spots on the island. We’ll peek into its poetic past as a local resident welcomes us warmly into her family home to admire evocative furniture, photographs and paintings.
Episkopio is located in the heights of the port of Ermoupolis, with a bird's eye view; it's a nice and quiet place to escape the crowd and meditate for a while. This aristocratic resort has large villas built amphitheatrically with palm trees and statues of their owners adorning their wonderful gardens. We will walk up the stairs that lead to the orthodox church of Profitis Elias of the 19th century, visit the mediaval Catholic chapel of Virgin Mary and admire the breathtaking view of the port and the area around it.
In between mansions, we will stop at Galissas, the most famous village of Syros, which boasts the island’s biggest beach and the hilltop chapel of Agia Pakou with its magnificent views. The destination angel enlighten us about the chapel and the ruins of ancient Galissas.
Next, we’ll venture onto Posidonia in Della Grazia village, which means “Blessed Place”. The neoclassical mansions of Della Grazia are sure to impress you with their exquisite architecture and lush gardens.
However, we walk into the past of the rural families in Syros by visiting the Folklore Exhibition which is not a typical museum, but it solely focus on showcasing the objects and tools once used by farmers and their housewives. It aims to give insight into the way of life of rural families in Syros, capturing their traditions and daily habits.
Awaiting us next is the tranquil village of Chroussa, prized for its quaint chapels, majestic mansions and enticing footpaths meandering through a magnificent pine forest that’s well worth exploring.
Finally, let’s cap your memorable Syros adventure by adding the famous Virgin Mary mermaid to your Insta feed. This eye-catching sculpture, perched atop a rocky outcrop, depicts a mermaid cradling a drowned fisherman in her arms. It’s dedicated to all those souls lost at sea … but we guarantee that your soul will be lost to Syros.
Experience Details
What is included
Your English speaking destination angel
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by air conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fees
Drinks (wine, beer and bottled water)
Lunch
What is not included
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Beverage/drinks other the ones mentioned
Things you need to know
General terms and conditions
General terms and conditions
Before proceeding with the final booking, customer has to agree on applicable terms and conditions
Payment terms
Payment terms
For payment terms click here
Deadline for reservations
Τhe latest deadline for submitting your booking request is 7 days before the desired date
Restrictions that might influence the operation
Αs per terms and conditions (extraordinary cancelations).
This experience is subject to weather conditions, (rain- strong winds).
Prepare for the experience
Know before you go
- If you are visiting Cycladic islands in the summertime, please note that it can get hot, especially between the end of June and the end of August. It is also common to have meltemi, strong north winds during the daytime
- It is important to know in advance if the quests have any food allergies/ dietary requirements
- Good physical condition & sturdy and comfortable shoes are required
- Guests must be without heart, lungs or breathing health problems
Starting time
09:00 am
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection cream, hat and loose fitted clothing
NOT suitable
- Wheelchair users / People with mobility impairments
Meeting point
Your hotel, villa or yacht