Overview:

The Ioannis Kapodistrias Statue is a prominent public sculpture in Greece. It was erected in 1867 in the seaside park of Corinth in honor of the first governor of modern Greece Ioannis Kapodistrias. The statue was designed by the famous sculptor Leonidas Drosis and was executed by the Italian sculptor Pietro Magni. The statue's base is made of Australian marble and its upper part is made of Italian marble. The figure of Ioannis stands atop an elaborate plinth, with four figures representing the four cardinal virtues, temperance, justice, fortitude and prudence. On its north side, it is inscribed with a Greek optimism: "unity, strength, justice and freedom". The Ioannis Kapodistrias Statue is an iconic representation of Greece's ancient heritage, heroic struggles and modern reforms. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The Ioannis Kapodistrias Statue is a recognizable landmark located in Corfu, Greece. It was constructed by sculptor Lazaros Sochos in 1864 in honor of the great statesman Ioannis Kapodistrias, who was born in Corfu and served as the first president of modern Greece. The statue is situated in front of the Palaio Frourio, which was the former Old Fortress of Corfu. It is a cast bronze statue standing on a large marble pedestal and shows a standing Kapodistrias in late 18th century attire, with his left hand pointing towards the old fort and his right hand stretched forward as if to salute and welcome people to the isle. The statue is the focal point of a grand square and continues to serve as a testament to the legacy of the iconic figure. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

Ioannis Kapodistrias was a Greek politician who served as the first Governor of Greece from 1827–1831. He was known for his popular reforms and support for the modernization of Greece. He also founded the University of Athens, as well as helping to draft the nation's first constitution in 1827. After his assassination in 1831, Kapodistrias became a popular national hero in Greece and a bronze sculpture in his honor was erected in Athens in 1835. The monument was created by German sculptor Ernst Chitzoff and consists of a marble statue of Kapodistrias in a standing pose. Around his feet, the sculptor carved several figures symbolizing the different branches of learning-law, medicine, and the arts. The statuary is located near the center of Athens in front of the National Bank of Greece on the corner of Panepistimiou and Stadiou Streets. Over the years, the statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias has become an iconic representation of the history, culture and progress of modern Greece. In 2001, it was restored and unveiled in conjunction with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Kapodistrias’ birth, making it a symbol of the country’s independence. Today, the statue serves as a reminder of the prominent role the great statesman played in the formation of modern Greece. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The statue was inaugurated in 1887 and is one of the oldest monuments in Athens. 2. The marble and bronze sculpture of Kapodistrias stands atop an Ionic column with a canape base, with the Greek language inscription “1776-1831. 3. The statue was designed by the Italian sculptor Pietro Calini, and was acquired from the Franco-Italian sculptor Richard Bizzelone in 1884. 4. The statue is located in Syntagma Square, Athens, and faces the Hellenic Parliament. 5. The monument was erected by the Kapodistrian Association in his memory, and plays a significant role in the history of Greece. 6. The statue features the statesman garbed in a police uniform from the period of French rule, and holds a book inscribed with the Greek word ‘Freedom’. 7. The overall height of the monument is more than 10 meters, and the figure of Kapodistrias has a height of nearly 7 meters. 8. The statue is made of bronze and marble and weighs a total of 5400 kg. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era