The Monument of Zalongo listed as a site of Modern Cultural Heritage in Greece

·

The Monument of Zalongo, which stands proudly on Mount Zalongo, Western Greece, has been designated by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a Monument of Modern Cultural Heritage of Greece.

The monument was designed by famous Greek sculptor, George Zongolopoulos, to commemorate the mass suicide of women and children which occurred in 1803, called the “Dance of Zalongo.”

The news of its status comes as the monument celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and Greece also marks the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution.

What is the Monument of Zalongo?

The Monument of Zalongo was executed under the supervision of George Zongolopoulos, the architect, Patroklos Karantinos, and the marble craftsman, Eleftherios Gyftopoulos, inside the archeological site of Kassopi.

Construction of the Monument of Zalongo. Photo: George Zongolopoulos Foundation.

The monument itself took six years to construct, from 1954 to 1960. At the beginning of the project, Zongolopoulos built a lift to transport materials up the mountain, but safety concerns meant that this mechanism was replaced by more old-school human and animal labour.

The monument itself is 13 meters high, almost the same height as a five story building. The interior of the sculpture is made of concrete, while the outer shell was constructed using 4,300 off-white limestone blocks which were mined from a quarry 160 kilometers from the monument’s construction site.

The female figures do not represent well-known historical figures, but were intentionally left without specific characteristics.

George Zongolopoulos Foundation campaigns for recognition:

The George Zongolopoulos Foundation, established in 2004, works to preserve and represent Zongolopoulos’ famous sculptures.

The Monument of Zalongo.

In August 2020, the foundation petitioned to have the monument recognised as a cultural heritage site in Greece and in a statement they say they are pleased by the recent news.

“The characterisation of the sculpture… by the Ministry of Culture and Sports as a Monument of Modern Cultural Heritage of Greece, is a justification for the great Greek artist, George Zongolopoulos, and recognition of the artistic value of the monument itself,” President of the Foundation and nephew of George Zongolopoulos, Nicos Theodoridis, said.

“It is also a recognition of the contribution of the Greek woman, the heroic woman who fought and sacrificed side by side with their husbands and sons.”

It is clear the breathtaking monument deserves this status as despite its difficult position, 30,000 to 35,000 people visit it a year.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

You May Also Like

Sacred union in a secular age: SOFIA USYD explores love and faith at Annual Forum

On Thursday, May 15, more than 60 students came together for the Annual Forum hosted by SOFIA USYD. More details here.

‘Long Live Greece’: Anthony Albanese joins Greek community in marking National Day

Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese, has sent a message to the Greek community of Australia to mark Greek Independence Day on March 25.

Harrison Kitt makes first court appearance after crash that killed Joanne Shanahan

Senior police officer Joanne Shanahan, 55, and mother Tania McNeill, 53, died in the crash at the intersection of Cross Road and Fullarton Road on April 25.