The norhern part of Siros
is mountainous and the island stands out in general
for the variety of the landscape in its hinterland,
where hills alterntate with low-lying farming areas.
The coastline is indented with inlets of all sizes between
capes. There are two large bays, of Ermoupoli to the
east and Finikas to the west. Archaeological excavations
have shown that Siros was inhabited in Neolithic times.
Digs at Kastri and Halandriani have revealed a prehistoric
acroplis, a settlement and a burial ground, and yielded
artefacts of the early cycladic period. Among the most
importand buildings are the Town Hall (to plans by Ziller)
and the Appollo Municipal Theatre, which is a copy in
miniature of La Scala, Milan. There is also a statue
of Admiral Miaoulis.
Ermoupoli has numerous
magnificent churches, the most interesting of which
are those dedicated to the Transfiguration, the Dormition
of Our Lady.
The quarter of the town
known as Vaporia, where the sea-captains lived, is of
special interest. Along its narrow streets stand neo-classical
mansions.
At the very top of the
town is the Catholic Cathedral of St George, next to
which stands the Centre for Historical Studies. Not
far below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and Capucins.
In the centre of the town is the Town Hall, with the
Historical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Siros,
and the Museum devoted to the popular composer Markos
Vamvakaris, revered as one of the masters of Greek music.
Various folklore events take place in Ano Siros, generally
during the summer.
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