Hermoupoli was born in the turbulent aftermath of the revolution of 1821, when refugees from the regions destroyed by the Turks found a safe haven on Syros and started to develop the town. Sailors and merchants from Chios, Kasos and Psara created this "economic miracle". In only a few short years, the deserted coast of the island was turned into the most important port of the country with an active economic and cultural life. Its creators named the town after the God of Commerce and knowledge, Hermes. Hermoupolis literally means "the city of Hermes". This name was suggested by Loukas Rallis from Chios, in 1826.

After the creation of the independent Greek state, the population of Hermoupolis reached 13.805. In 1833 it became the capital city of the Cyclades, and the seat of its administration and court authorities. The birth of the Greek state also coincided with the beginning of Hermoupolis's development as an international trade centre on the maritime crossroads between Western Europe, the Mediterranean countries and the Near-East. Ioannis Petritsis became its first mayor in 1835. Transit of goods, mostly to Turkey, developed into the island's major activity. It led to the opening of a free zone in its port in 1837.

Banks, shipbuilding companies, maritime agencies and printing houses appeared. In 1839, Neofitos Vamvas founded the first Secondary School. In 1845, a branch of the National Bank was opened in Ermoupolis. Simultaneously, we see the rapid development of industries such as tanneries, soap production and iron metallurgy. Efficiency in shipbuilding resulted in an increase of its production, reaching an annual total of 60 to 80 ships. About 2.000 people were employed in the shipbuilding industry in 1835.

In 1853, there were only three cities in Greece with a population of over 10.000: Athens, Patras and Ermoupolis.

In 1854, the first Greek steamship was built by a private shipbuilding company. In 1856, Greece's first steamship-building company "I Eliniki Atmoplia" was founded on the island, with the participation of the municipality, the National Bank and 102 other shareholders. The Greek Steamship-building Company challenged the existing Austrian, Italian and French steamers and tradeships with rival ships of its own. In addition, docks, shipping wharves, drydocks, warehouses etc., were created.

A public dock was built in 1866. A great number of ships used the docks and piers of Ermoupolis for replenishment, transport of visitors and, in return, loading of goods for other destinations. At that time, Ermoupolis became the centre of Eastern Mediterranean and international trade with Western Europe, Mediteranean and Middle Eastern countries.

Later, a number of textile factories appeared, some of them still operational at the beginning of the 20th century. This was the scene of the first strike of 1879.

In 1866, Syros took in a large number of refugees from Crete. Among them was the family of Eleftherios Venizelos, who studied at the senior school of Syros. More schools were opened: girls' schools and religious colleges. Last but not least, we see the creation of the Greek Museum.

1864 is the year of the creation of the "ApollonTheatre" , a small-scale copy of the Scala of Milan. Numerous foreign and Greek troupes performed on its stage. Their plays always were important events in town. The Philharmonic Orchestra and the "Club "Ellas" made their appearance at that time.

This economic prosperity led to the development of an upper class of citizens who adopted a "European" life style. Entertainment and fashion also followed the "European" ways.

In the island's clubs, its high society danced to the tunes of the time, such as waltzes and polkas. They wore fashionable and expensive clothes provided by the "boutiques" of Syros, that were comparable to those in France.

Splendid neoclassical mansions, examples of Romantic Classicism, created the impression of a European city in the heart of the Aegean Sea. European as well as Greek architects and artists (Ziller, Sampo, Herlacher, Vlisidis, Elevtheriadis etc..), painters and sculptors made this city into a monument of architecture. The Town Hall, "Club Ellas", the church of Agios Nikolaos, the"Apollon Theatre" , and the shipowners' mansions in the Vaporia Quarter are some of the finest examples of this style.

In 1907, Ermoupolis, with a population of 18.100, was the 6th largest city in Greece after Athens, Piraeus, Patras, Kerkira (Corfou) and Volos.

At the end of the 19th century, the island's economic situation started its decline. The creation of Piraeus as the port of the country's capital and the opening of the Corinth Canal slowly drained the town of its vitality.

Inspite of this, Hermoupolis continued to be among the most important administrative and commercial centres of the Aegean region. Today, it is the seat of the Prefecture of the Cyclades and houses the administrative centre for the prefectures of the Northern Aegean.

Neoclassical buildings, marble-paved streets and squares, all witness the golden age in which Hermoupolis flourished. To this day, it still is a centre of lively intellectual and cultural activity.

Places of Interest (for more information on the places listed below, please click "Places to visit" on the menu on the left)

The architecture of historical Hermoupolis is unique and impresses with its neoclassical buildings and marble-paved streets.

The Town Hall of Hermoupolis, work of the great architect Ernestos Ziller is of special interest. Here, we find the seat of the town's administration, court and land registry, as well as the Archeological Museum. It is situated on Miaouli square, which in itself is really impressive.

To the right of the Town Hall, is Club "Ellas, the intellectual centre of the municipality, along with the Public Library.

The Historical Archives are housed in the Ladopoulou Palace, to the left of the Town Hall.

The 1st Secondary School of Hermoupolis, opened in 1833 and the first of its kind in Greece, is situated behind the Town Hall.

Not far from it, Apollon"Theatre is a small-scale copy of the Scala of Milan.

The Prefecture of the Cyclades is situated in a neoclassical mansion on Tsiropina square.

Vaporia Quarter, behind the church of Agios Nicolaos, is the city's architectural jewel.

Agios Nikolaos Church is the pride of Hermoupolis. This church is richly decorated.

Hermoupolis boasts a number of other beautiful churches, such as Metamorfosi tou Sotiros, Kimisi tis Theotokou, Evangelistria, the Anastasios Church and Agios Dimitrios Church.

The Customs Service and Transportation Warehouses building dominates the pier on the other side of the port, reflecting itself in the blue water of the Aegean Sea. The Art Gallery of the Cyclades is housed in this large architectural complex.