elc team
The year 2026 marks a defining moment for the island of Syros, as Hermoupolis celebrates the bicentenary of its naming and founding in 1826. More than the capital of the Cyclades, Hermoupolis has long stood as a symbol of neoclassical elegance, maritime prosperity, and cultural vitality—a city born from the resilience of refugees who transformed displacement into one of modern Greece’s most remarkable urban success stories.
Founded by refugees arriving from Smyrna, Kydonies, Chios, Psara, Kasos and other parts of the Greek world, the city quickly evolved into a thriving centre of commerce, shipbuilding, education and culture. Dedicated to Hermes, the ancient god of trade and eloquence, Hermoupolis continues to embody a spirit of creativity, entrepreneurship and openness that remains central to its identity today.
The bicentenary celebrations offer an opportunity not only to honour the city’s remarkable past but also to reflect on its evolving cultural presence. Throughout the year, exhibitions, performances, festivals, screenings, conferences and educational initiatives invite visitors and residents alike to rediscover the many layers of Hermoupolis’ history and contemporary life.
A landmark commemorative event was recently held at the Metropolitan Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour—the very place where the city officially received its name exactly 200 years ago. Organised by the Municipality of Syros–Hermoupolis in collaboration with the Region of South Aegean, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the ceremony brought together local residents, institutional representatives and distinguished guests to celebrate this historic milestone.
Hosted by journalist Margarita Pournara, the evening presented a series of commemorative initiatives dedicated to the city’s heritage. Among the highlights was a spectacular mapping projection on the façade of the historic Apollo Theatre, created by the Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) in collaboration with Animasyros, transforming one of Hermoupolis’ most iconic landmarks into a large-scale audiovisual tribute to its two centuries of history.
The programme also featured the presentation of the official commemorative medal by its creator, acclaimed sculptor Giorgos Stamatopoulos, Deputy Director of the Banknote and Security Printing Works Foundation (IETA). Rich in symbolism, the medal reflects the city’s enduring contribution to Greek history and culture. A commemorative postage stamp was unveiled by Daniel Benardou, President of Hellenic Post (ELTA), while a specially curated photographic presentation traced Hermoupolis’ evolution through two centuries of architecture, maritime activity, civic life and cultural development.
More than an anniversary, the bicentenary of Hermoupolis serves as an invitation to revisit the story of a city that emerged from adversity and became a beacon of innovation and cultural exchange in the Aegean. Rooted in its heritage yet looking confidently toward the future, Hermoupolis celebrates 200 years not only as a remembrance of its past, but as the beginning of a new chapter shaped by creativity, resilience and optimism.
