About 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. Many residents became Catholic that period of time and Catholic monasteries were founded; such as the Capuchin Monastery and the Monastery of Jesuits in Ano Syros, that stand till today.
Later on, when Greece was liberated from the Turks and the Greek State was established, 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, who arrived on the island in 1921 and were mostly Greek Orthodox.
Catholic places of interest on the island of Syros, Greece:
Cathedral of Saint George in Ano Syros.
Church of the Annunciation of the Lord in Ermoupolis.
Church of Saint Sebastian in Ano Syros.
Traveling to Syros, Greece:
Syros is a popular cruise destination served by several cruise lines. There is also an airport on the island.