The Unknown Sailor Statue

Μετάφραση Greek Version

The Unknown Sailor Statue

The Unknown Sailor is the trademark of Andros. It stands in honor of all seafarers who lost their lives in the sea. Located in the marble square of Riva in Chora, marks the glorious naval history of the island. The area where the marble square now stands used to be occupied by beautiful mansions of the Embirikos family, but they were all destroyed by German bombings during World War II. Several years later, a marble square was designed by architect L. K. Kriezis. The square boasts breathtaking views of the remains of Kato Kastro (Lower Castle) of Andros and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. A bronze statue of a sailor by local artist Michalis Tombros impassively stands in the middle of the square and watches the waves smashing against the crumbling flanks of the castle. The statue was designed in 1959 and funded by the Goulandris family. It was revealed on November 5, 1959, in a great celebration with a concert at the Municipal Theater by artists of the opera. The event attracted hundreds of guests and the king of Greece. On April 30, 2001, a strong wind blew down the statue. After the necessary repairs, the statue was put back in place. Today, the statue of the Unknown Sailor is Chora’s main landmark and a classic spot for a memorable photo. From the square you can walk over the arched bridge to reach the ruins of the Venetian castle sleeping quietly in a tiny island.