The people of Siros have created a peculiar architecture, with western characteristics and neo-classical elements. Ermoupoli is a typical example of this architectural style, a fact justified, as the town was built in the late 19th century. The town was built by German and Italian architects and the authentic alignments are kept in the Historic Archives. Unlike Ermoupoli, Ano Siros is a typical example of a Cycladean townlet. It is built amphitheatrically in a castle and the houses are separated by narrow, slate, whitewashed alleys. The main characteristic of the town's architecture is the reed "stegadia", seen around the townlet, as well as the "portopoules" (small balconies, no terrace). The island's traditional character goes beyond the influence of architecture. The wood-naval art is one of the most popular crafts, while the island's Culture Centre organises exhibitions of painting, ceramics and sculpture. In the past, Siros was the place where Greek literature flourished. The Library Study was founded here in 1833, while the island had several schools, where prominent teachers worked, such as the Greek School of Ermoupoli (the first principal ever was Neofitos Vamvas) and the Greek Lyceum, attended by Emmanuel Rhoedes and Dimitrios Vikelas. Today, the island's Cultural Societies try to preserve the local traditions, organising theatrical and musical nights, exhibitions, lectures and championships in swimming, rowing and sailing. The cheerful people of Siros love the local feasts where one can dance to the sounds of "tsambouna" and "toumbi". Music is a vital part of the daily life and the local dances are characterised by their vigor. The best known representative of the modern musical tradition of Siros is Markos Vamvakaris, the composer of "Fraggosiariani", who combined elements of the music from Asia Minor with Byzantine sounds, thus creating the famous music of "Rembetiko", loved throughout Greece.