Makrygiannis

What I can see

A 2m high brass statue represents General Makrygiannis in a standing position, with his legs apart and his left in projection. With the right hand, he holds the sword, which has been removed twice in the past. The sculpture sits on a low cuboidal pedestal from limestone. The sculptor Giannis Pappas renders Makrygiannis with a strict look and protruding chest, while his uniform is detailed and historically accurate. On the right side of the pedestal is the name of the sculptor, on the left is that of the sponsor (National Bank), while on the front we see the name and dates of birth and death of the general and the name of the mayor when the sculpture was placed.

What I can't see

Makrygiannis (1797- 1864) was among the leaders of the Greek Revolution, a military man and then a politician. His real surname was Triantafyllou, but he had kept it secret since his childhood in order not to be murdered by the Turks, as happened to his father, who was probably a member of a partisan band of thieves. He was initiated into Filiki Eteria (a secret Greek revolutionary organization) and initially acted as a Greek spy. He participated in many battles of the Greek Revolution, with the fall of Athens and the siege of the Acropolis by the Turks being among them. During the early years of independence, he was an impactful politician and was also accused, with insufficient evidence, of conspiracy and plot to assassinate the royal couple Otto and Amalia. He was sentenced to death, but eventually served a prison sentence. He died of natural causes at the age of 67.

Info

• Address: D. Areopagitou & Vyronos St.

Bibliography