Parakopi: Pine Trees, Villas and Island History

Parakopi lies inland on the island of Syros, in an area covered with pine trees and dotted with 19th-century villas. The landscape and historic buildings give the place a distinctive character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment on Syros, Parakopi offers a perspective on the island shaped by its culture and scenery.

Parakopi’s Townscape and History

The Church of the Holy Cross was built in 1854 in the village of Parakopi, inland on Syros. The village’s 19th-century history is also closely linked to Ermoupoli: at that time, Parakopi was an important retreat for Ermoupoli’s wealthy society.

The mansion of D. Vafeiadakis stood on an estate designed as a park, with kiosks, a dovecote and pebble mosaics. These details present the historic estate as a landscaped outdoor space: in addition to the mansion, small structures and ornamental features were part of its character. The description of the park thus adds another aspect of local architectural history to the story of the 19th-century villas.

Parakopi is associated with the Catholic feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Panagia ton Kerion), dated September 6. The Feast of the Holy Cross on September 14 is also associated with Parakopi, as well as Alithini and Talanta. If you are planning your trip around one of these feasts, check the latest dates in advance.

Cultural History on Syros

Beyond Parakopi, Syros offers other themes in cultural history. The Apollo Theater in Ermoupoli was built between 1862 and 1864 to designs by Italian municipal architect Pietro Sambo. It hosts theater performances, artistic events and international festivals, including opera, music and dance festivals featuring local and international artists. A small exhibition on the theater’s history includes works by local and other artists, historic posters and programs, manuscripts, theater publications, photographs and objects of historical significance to the theater. If a particular performance is important to your trip, check the latest schedule.

The Archaeological Museum of Syros offers a different perspective. It was founded in 1834–1835 as the central museum of the Cyclades. Its collections include finds from Kastri and Chalandriani, as well as sculptures, inscriptions and tombstones from the ancient city of Syros. Kastri and Chalandriani lie on the northeastern coast of Apano Meria on Syros and are among the most significant prehistoric sites in the Aegean. The fortified settlement of Kastri dates approximately to 2300–2200 BC. Its fortifications include a low outer wall, a main wall with horseshoe-shaped towers and an arched wall on the hill. On Syros, archaeological finds and the specific form of an early fortification thus offer distinct ways of exploring the past.

Discover more destinations: Chrousa, Galissás, Ermoúpolis, Azólimnos, Vari, Posidhonía, Finikas, Kini

For the broader travel overview: Syros.