I've labeled this map so you can see where we traveled.
1. Athens - Parthenon
2. Lavrion - Temple of Poseidon
3. Syros - Ermoupoli, Capital city of the Cyclades.
4. Kos - Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of Medicine
5. Kusadasi, Turkey to see Ephesus
6. Santorini - Akrotiri, the Pompeii of Greece
7. Milos - Venus de Milo fame
As I said in the previous post on this trip, Syros was our first island. The trip itinerary had to be juggled when we lost a sailing day because of rough seas. Syros was to be later in the week because it is was fully settled in the 1800s as a leading port and shipyard.
We had a walking tour of the main part of town and then time to explore on our own. We opted with two other couples to seek out a quaint restaurant for lunch.
Here are some scenes from that walking tour.
Narrow streets.
Notice how the trunks of the trees seem to grow out of the marble.
Thankfully it wasn't wet or these walkways would be slippery.
Did you notice how the streets are paved in marble?
We started out in the flat part of the city but look how it climbs the hill.
The Catholic Church is at the highest point on the right. We visited two Greek Orthodox Church in two very different neighborhoods.
The grand square early on a Sunday morning.
Miaoulis, a Revolutionary commander.
Inside the government building on the square I was taken by the patterns on the floor and ceiling.
From the square we walked on to the first church. This building in distress caught my eye.
Inside the church was an overwhelming assortment of icons.
Another view of the church we just left.
Looking up to the top of the hill and the Catholic Church.
Where does this walkway go? Not our route to the next church.
The next church was non descript outside but inside had this treasure - an early painting by El Greco.
After the visit to the church six of us tried to retrace our steps to where we had caught a glimpse of some charming restaurants. It was just after noon time so they were opening.
We found this one and I asked what they were known for and he said Moussaka. I was sold and so was the rest of the party.
We each ordered something different and sent round plates to share. It was a lot of fun.
Later that evening before dinner a troop of dancers came on board.
It was a very good day.
The restaurant had black and white photos of scenes from the town so I converted this one to b&w. What do you think?
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Next stop Kos.
7 comments:
What charming and beautiful architecture, and I would have stopped for hours at the El Greco. Glad you had energy to climb to those churches. And so glad you enjoyed the food.
What a wonderful start to your island journey through Greece. I really enjoyed seeing the photos of Syros, especially the marble streets and those beautiful narrow walkways climbing the hill. The mixture of history, churches, and everyday town life gives the island so much character.
The church interiors were breathtaking, especially all the icons and the surprise El Greco painting. Your lunch story made me smile too. Sharing different dishes with friends always makes travel meals more memorable, and the moussaka sounded like the perfect choice.
I also liked your black and white version of the old town photo. It gives the scene a timeless feeling and matches the historic atmosphere beautifully. Looking forward to seeing your next stop in Kos.
Beautiful pictures of the town. The blues of the sky and the sea set off all the white so well.
I can't help but notice the clear blue skies in photo after photo.
...are sure plenty of island! The architecture is a true delight!
What a wonderful start to your trip. So beautiful. I have friends there now on a trip
Cathy
There is a degree of beauty in those ancient towns not found in North America. Looks like you had a great day.
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