The unknown sailor in Chora on Andros

Can a statue of an unknown sailor be a tourist attraction? Well, maybe not, but as far as I know, statues of unknown sailors are rare in Greece, or if there are even more than this one. so I think it is a tourist attraction. Sometimes the statue is referred to as "The Unknown Soldier", but that is wrong, it is an unknown sailor.

The Monument of the Unknown Sailor in Chora.

The unknown sailor with his sailor's bag.

The statue of the Unknown Sailor faces the sea, as if gazing into eternity. He symbolizes all the sailors from Andros who disappeared at sea, during wars and storms, and never returned. Andros has nurtured many sea captains, sailors and shipowners, so the monument is a tribute to the sacrifices of the sea – both civilian and military.

Sometimes the statue is referred to as "The Unknown Soldier", but that is wrong, it is an unknown sailor.

The Unknown Sailor was designed by Michalis Tombros and was inaugurated with great pomp and ceremony in November 1959. On April 30, 2001, the statue was blown down and partially destroyed in a strong storm. But it was rebuilt and stands there until the next big storm. It is well known that it is windy on Andros and in fact Andros is the windiest island in Greece.

The monument stands on a square called Riva. Maritime Museum of Andros in the background.

The monument stands in a square called Riva, at the lower part of Chora, overlooking the sea and the ancient ruins of Andros Kastro, also called Kato Kastro. Riva Square also houses the Maritime Museum of Andros, founded in 1972. The museum contains collections from Andros rich maritime history.

The statue is under the red arrow. Kato Kastro is on the small island to the right.

The Maritime Museum of Andros was founded in 1972.

Little Camilla tries to imitate the big statue.

Read more about Andros here »