What I can see

This 3.53m high marble stele with reliefs is a monumental sculpture dedicated to the Macedonian fighter Pavlos Melas and has many symbolisms. The stele rests on a stepped pedestal and “Defend the Motherland” is written at its top. On the front side of the stele, we see a female figure which symbolises Macedonia. She holds a medal with her left hand that depicts Pavlos Melas and laurels with her right to crown him. The figure is surrounded by a palm branch, her clothing is heavily pleated, and the medal rests on the back of an eagle that looks towards Macedonia and holds a sword. Beyond honouring the hero, the content and style of the sculpture also show the strong desire of the country to be the winner of the Macedonian Struggle, as it finally happened a few years later.

What I can't see

The monument is a work by Lazaros Sochos and was erected at the initiative of the Athenian Press and with money from a pan-Hellenic fundraiser. Initially, it was planned to be installed in Zappeion, but it was finally placed opposite the Zappeion garden (Vas. Olgas and Amalias St.). Later, it was transported next to the military club and then to its current location. Pavlos Melas was born in Marseilles in 1870. He was also known by the pseudonym Mikis Zezas, with which he participated in the Macedonian Struggle. He was surrounded by the Ottoman army on 13/10/1904 and killed.

Info

• Address: Vas. Sophias & Rigillis St.

Bibliography