About the island of Syros, Greece:
The island of Syros has an almost equal number of Catholic and Orthodox churches. The most impressive Catholic church is the Church of Agios Georgios, on the highest point of Ano Syros village, with the Center of Historical Studies of Catholic Bishopric at the rear of the church.
The Venetians, who conquered the island in the medieval times and occupied it for many centuries, left a lasting Catholic legacy. During this period, Syros became a bastion of Catholicism and, in fact, it is known as the “Island of the Pope”. Even when the Ottomans dominated the island, the Catholic influence remained and Syros came under the protection of France and the Vatican.
Moreover, the French had ensured from the Turks some privileges for the Catholic community of Syros, part of the broader Franco-Ottoman alliance of the 16th century, which began in 1536 between King Francis I of France and Sultan Suleiman I. As part of this alliance, France secured capitulations—formal treaties granting certain privileges to its subjects and allies within the Ottoman Empire. Many residents became Catholic during that period of time and Catholic monasteries were founded; such as the Capuchin Monastery and the Monastery of Jesuits in Ano Syros, that still stand today.
When Greece was liberated from the Turks and the Greek State was established in 1829, the catholic population of Syros was Hellenized and changed their Latin names to Greek, for example Russo to Roussos, Vuccino to Voutsinos and Vacondio to Vakondios. The integration to the Greek State did not provoke any problems and there was a good relationship between the old Roman Catholic residents of Syros and the refugees from Asia Minor.
In 1921, Greeks from Asia Minor (Anatolia) fled to Greek islands primarily because of the collapse of the Greek military campaign in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922) and the widespread violence, expulsions, and massacres they faced.
Catholic places of interest on the island of Syros, Greece:
Syros stands out in Greece for its harmonious coexistence of Catholic and Orthodox traditions, with shared celebrations (especially Easter) reflecting the island’s mixed heritage.
Ano Syros: Cathedral of Saint George, Church of Saint Sebastian.
Ermoupolis: Church of the Annunciation of the Lord.
Traveling to the island of Syros, Greece:
By ship: Syros is a popular cruise destination served by several cruise lines.
By ferry: There are regular ferry connections to the island from Athens, or you can come by ferry from one of the neighboring Cycladic islands, such as Mykonos, Tinos, or Paros.
By air: There is also an airport on the island, Syros Island National Airport (Greek: Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Σύρου), IATA code JSY. It is not an international airport. Most flights are from the Greek mainland, with a few seasonal flights from other Greek islands.