Syros is located in the middle of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cycladic islands
complex. Its name derives from the words "Sour" or "Osoura", that have the
meaning of rocky. On this very rock one, the most important civilizations of the word, was born
3000 years B. C. Archaeologists named it after the original birthplace "Keros - Syros
Civilization", but it is widely known as the "Cycladic Civilization".
In 1207 Syros was occupied by the Venetians and was ruled by the Duke of Naxos. It was then
that the first city was created on the top of the highest hill, located in the middle of the
island. Its present name is Ano Syros which means Upper Syros. Here is built the temple of St.
George, the Catholic Episcopy.
Hermoupolis, is the Capital of Syros Island as well of the Cycladic province. The first
inhabitants of the city were mainly refugees coming from the islands of Chios, Psara and
Hydra.
After the liberation of Greece from Turkish occupation, in 1821, the city gradually
developed to according to be the major commercial and cultural cent4er of the country. The
unique buildings structured according to the "neoclassic" rhythm, are the
indisputable monuments of that period. The Syrou Malatron hotel is one of these buildings.