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Modern Description: From above Kini the road continues south to Galissás (10.5 km) which lies at the head of a long, deep inlet. On the westernmost rise of the promontory of Cape Katakéfalos to the north side of the bay, stand the ruins of a mediaeval fortress which served as watchtower for the western coast of the island. The most ancient presence in the area, however, has been identified near the small headland of Aghia Pakoú immediately to the south of the bay where there are two natural acropolises – the projecting hilltop crowned by the church of Aghia Pakoú, and the higher rise of ‘Vounáki' behind and to the south.
Archaeological examination has shown that this was the site of a densely inhabited ancient settlement in the Archaic and Classical periods, which some scholars think should possibly be identified as the ancient polis of Syros. The centre of habitation from the 8th century BC on was on the saddle below Vounaki and on the hilltop now occupied by the church of Aghia Pakou. The hill is perforated with shallow grottos. The ancient buildings so far excavated (beside the path which descends to the bay of Armeos on the west side) were partly cut into the living rock, to create cisterns etc., and partly constructed. The dedication, ‘Aghia Pakou', is unusual; it may possibly be cognate with the ancient word ‘ἐπιχωρέω', (‘I assent' or ‘concede'), in view of the fact that epigraphic evidence suggests that a divinity with the attribute ‘ἐ[πιχώ]ος' (‘assenting') is attested here. The remains of a small Early Cycladic II settlement on the summit of Vounaki is evidence of even earlier occupation.
Wikidata ID: Q65040333

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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