About The Capuchin Monastery in Ano Syros, Greece:
Founded 1637–1653, The Capuchin Monastery in Ano Syros, is a historic Catholic site with the church of Agios Ioannis (St. John the Baptist) built around 1635–1637 and the monastery itself founded in 1653 by King Louis XIII of France. It is located on a hill above the coastal town of Ermoupolis, accessible via narrow, winding streets and steep steps ww
For much of its history, it was a center of religious and social life in Ano Syros, hosting gatherings of village dignitaries in its courtyard. From 1639 to 1652, it served as the Catholic Cathedral of Syros. The monks also provided education, healthcare, and legal services to the community.
Within the Monastery is the Church of Saint John the Baptist, later used by nuns of the Order of Saint Clare. While the Jesuit church is usually closed, the one of the Capuchin is open for visitors.
The church of Saint John the Baptist, which has a facade in the for here typical ‘sardeloto’ (sardine, pichard-like) colours is surrounded by whitewashed buildings. The interior with a grey marble floor and a vaulted ceiling looks like recently renovated with its bright colours, mainly light blue and red. Too much for my taste. That it is a Catholic church one can also see in the many benches, which are normally absent in a Greek Orthodox church.
Two large paintings in Western style struck my eye. One represents the Mother of God as ‘Angelorum Regina’ (Queen of the Angels), surrounded by winged creatures. The other painting, behind the altar, shows the baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist. Above it is written: ‘Non surrexit major’ (there has not arisen anyone greater). This comes from the Bible (St.Mathew and St.Luke) and refers to St.John the Baptist with the complete sentence ‘inter natos mulierum non surrexit maior Ioanne Baptista’ (among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than Saint John the Baptist).
The church has undergone recent renovation, featuring a modern exterior with glass doors and a large balcony, while preserving its beautiful old interior. The altar area includes a large painting of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ, and the high arched ceiling is decorated with religious imagery.
Beneath the church are crypts originally used as shelters during pirate raids (it is said the Ottoman leader of the island would hide here when pirate ships appeared). Since 1896, the crypts have housed the bones and tombstones of old Catholic families.
The monastery also contains a library with 6,000 old books and manuscripts, reflecting its long cultural and educational role.
Originally a functioning Capuchin monastery, it now houses only the abbot.
Traveling to The Capuchin Monastery in Ano Syros, Greece:
The church is close to the Jesuit Monastery. Syros has steep, narrow streets so it is perhaps best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
Address: Eth. Antistaseos 56, Ano Siros 841 00, Greece
Note: While the Jesuit church is usually closed, the one of the Capuchin is open for visitors.