The Pesthouse constitutes a milestone in the island’s history as it has been used both as a refuge and a quarantine station over the years.

Built in 1839, under the supervision of Weiler, it was initially used as a quarantine facility for travelers who were forced to remain within its walls for at least 7 days in order to avoid any possible spread of infection or infectious disease.

During the Cretan revolution of 1866 it was used as a shelter for the refugees of Crete while during the 19th century until the early years after the war the Pesthouse functioned as a prison for detainees.

In 1908 it turned into a lunatic asylum, while after the civil war it was used for the detention of political prisoners. The Pesthouse was originally built in the Neorion area but the shortage of space and facilities could not accommodate the growing needs of the city soon resulting to a full reconstruction.

The Pesthouse was fully equipped so as to meet all the needs of its guests. The Pesthouse consisted of 32 apartments with fireplace that offered a separate kitchen and bathroom, the eating house and the several offices covering all administrative needs. Today the Pesthouse of Syros is an abandoned stone building complex at the southern end of the port with various buildings known as “Lazaretta” that testify the habits and hardships of a bygone era.