ART AND HISTORY

An in-depth look at the history of the mansion

The Palazzo Santa Maria, a masterpiece adorned with intricate frescoes and proudly holds the designation of a “Monument” by the Ministry of Culture, can look back on a history of 150 years. Each room bears the name of a historical personality who has a direct or indirect relationship with Syros.

It has been built in 1874 by Menelaos Kornilakis, a businessman born in Syros. His father Konstantine, a famous tailor of the time, relocated in Syros from the island of Crete in 1827. Menelaos Kornilakis established in 1854 one of the most important tannery in the industrial area of Syros.

In 2018 Nicolas Roussos, an hotelier with almost 45 years experience in the luxury hospitality industry, acquired the property with the vision to save and give prominence of its legend and history. All renovation works have been carried out with meticulous care, trying to preserve the majority of the original architectural elements and uncover part of the hidden frescoes. The exterior color scheme of the building, as well as of the logo were inspired by the color palette of Knossos Palace in Heraklion Crete , in honor of the place of origin of Menelaos Kornilakis.

Our guests may feel the historical ambience of the mansion, not only through the architecture and design, but also through the precious antiques and works of art in all rooms and public areas. The “Snail” by Yannis Moralis, an important Greek visual artis, “The Carousel” and “The Diptych” by Giota Sotiriou, the “Twin Horses”, the bedside table marble lamps and vintage lights with Lalique crystal are some of the personal collection of the owner.