Overview:

The Maitland Monument, in the Athenian suburb of Filothei, is a memorial dedicated to the British General Sir Thomas Maitland, governor of the Ionian Islands between 1813 and 1816. It is located at the corner of Filothei Square, near the British Embassy in Athens, and was erected in 1837, shortly following Maitland's death. The monument is built in the Neo-Classical style, with a marble pedestal and a figure of a soldier in the full British military dress of that time. The memorial inscription bears the following words: "Sacred to the memory of General Thomas Maitland, (born 1759, deceased 1824). He controlled the Ionian Islands from 1813 to 1816, where he administered justice and humanity for the promotion of civilization and prosperity." It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The Maitland Monument is a large marble column that stands in Athens, Greece. It was erected in memory of Scotland's 18th Century diplomat Sir Thomas Maitland, who served as Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands from 1815 to 1823. The monument stands tall at a height of 41 feet and is adorned with the Maitland family crest. It towers over the surrounding urban landscape and is widely visible from many points in the city. The monument is a fine example of neoclassical architecture, and its pillar is decorated with intricate carved fruits, leaves, and other ornamental motifs. The top of the pillar is topped by an urn which holds a bronze bust of Sir Thomas Maitland. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Maitland Monument is a marble obelisk erected in 1809 to commemorate Major General Sir Thomas Maitland, (1759-1824) who served as a general in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829). Maitland's career began in 1776 when he joined the British army and fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was eventually promoted to major general in 1798, and went on to lead a successful campaign in Egypt, campaigning against Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801. By 1807, Maitland had been appointed as governor of Malta, where he served for five years. During this time, he also provided advice to the Greeks, who were then fighting for independence from the Ottoman Empire. In 1809, Maitland was sent by King George III of Britain to assess the Greek situation. After his reconnaissance, he wrote a detailed report on the state of the war effort and suggested a plan for the establishment of a national government, which eventually became the "Treaty of Maitland" (1829). After his courageous service in Greece, Maitland was awarded the Order of St. George by Tsar Alexander I of Russia. The Maitland Monument was erected in his honour in 1809 in Syntagma Square in Athens. The monument features a quote from the poem by Rupert Brooke, "Sir Thomas Maitland" which reads: “And a glory lightened on his tomb that none could dim!” The monument remains standing today as a reminder of Maitland's contribution to the Greek War of Independence, and is often visited by tourists. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. It is located in the city of Maitland, near the town of Grevena in Greece. 2. The Maitland Monument was erected in memory of the Battle of Maitland in 1822, which saw the Greeks repel a siege by the Ottoman Empire. 3. It is said that during the battle the people of Maitland lifted huge rocks and hurled them at the invading Ottoman troops. 4. The exact date of construction of the monument is not known, however it is believed to have been built in 1825. 5. The monument stands 18 meters high and features a lion sculpted from limestone, symbolizing bravery and courage. 6. The bottom steps of the monument are made of marble, symbolizing the memorial and pride in the victory. 7. The Maitland Monument is surrounded by souvenir and snack stalls, which are in operation from sunset to dawn. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era