Ano Syros

History

Ano Syros is the medieval settlement of Syros. It was built during the late Byzantine era or early Frankokratia. It is a classical cycladic medieval settlement that is densely built with narrow roads, circular order and a radial street plan. Its overall landscape resembles a fortified citadel. Ano Syros is inhabited by Catholic Greeks. The reason for it is the long period of Frankokratia in Syros that started immediately after the Fourth Crusade. Frankokratia ended during the 16th century but the Catholics of Syros came under French protection and Catholicism survived in the island. After founding of nearby Hermoupolis, Ano Syros ceased to be the administrative centre of Syros. Nevertheless, the settlement remained a religious centre since it is the seat of Roman Catholic Diocese of Syros and Milos. During WW2 the city was occupied by the Italians, who wanted to create an Italian province with administrative capital in Ano Syros:

Most-observed species

• Sardinian Warbler

  Curruca melanocephala (J.F.Gmelin, 1789) · Aves
  105
• Yellow-legged Gull

  Larus michahellis J.F.Naumann, 1840 · Aves
  91
• Common Buzzard

  Buteo buteo (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  73
• Crested Lark

  Galerida cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  70
• Eurasian Kestrel

  Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  68
• Hooded Crow

  Corvus cornix Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  65
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  60
• European Shag

  Phalacrocorax aristotelis (Linnaeus, 1761) · Aves
  55