We have said many times that Naxos is the island where you will have a good time no matter what type of traveler you are. Either you like the spread and shallow beaches, or you want to take a gastronomic trip. Whether you wish to take a dive in history and go to the most mountainous of the island looking for more adventure. Whatever you are looking for you will find it and that’s probably why once your vacation is over, you’ll think you needed a few more days. Regarding the history of the island,one of the most famous and impressive sights is the Majestic Kouri that Naxos has. It’s worth knowing their special history.
Naxos: The Kouri and the journey in history
The Kouri of Naxos are considered to express the perception of the old times for the gods, who appear as anthropomorphic but at the same time much taller than common mortals. Naxos was one of the places in ancient Greece where Kouri were built, i.e. statues that personified young men. In Naxos, until this date have been found 3 huge statues of Kouron.
The two are located in the area of Melanes in the position of Fleryo, about 9 km from Chora. The largest is located at the top of the village of Apollo, in the north of the island, at a distance of about 35 km. The Kouri of Naxos date back to the Archaic period, i.e. 7th-6th century BC.
All the Kouri of Naxos are in their original position in which they began to be built but never completed. One of the two Kouros located in Fleri is difficult to visit as access is not easy.
The second “lying” Kouros
The other Kouros, which dates back to around the 7th century BC and is about 6.5 meters long. He lies “lying” on the ground in a field full of olive trees. This particular Kouros is now the property of the Kondyli family, in the same place that the ancient craftsman worked on it. Kouros was named “Greek” because of its impressive size and power as a sculpture.
The most likely reason it was left unfinished according to history was that during its construction there were some large cracks in its body. That is why they decided and left it in the same place.
The same thing probably happened to the other two Kouros in The Melanes. But many researchers claim that the statues were left unfinished because of the possible death of the customer who ordered them, or because of extraordinary political events.
If you find yourself in Naxos, this beautiful Cycladic island for holidays, don’t miss to visit the places and see them up to close…
External photography source: naxospress.gr
Read also:
Apollona Settlement: The quiet, small village in the north of Naxos
Lakazeza : The unexplored blue-green beach 1.5 hours from Athens
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kouri of Naxos are ancient Greek statues dating back to the Archaic period (7th-6th century BC) that personify young men. They are considered important historical artifacts because they express the ancient Greek perception of gods as anthropomorphic beings, depicted much taller than common mortals. Naxos is one of the most significant places in ancient Greece where these statues were built, with three huge Kouros statues still remaining on the island.
There are 3 huge Kouros statues in Naxos. Two are located in the Melanes area at Fleryo, approximately 9 km from Chora (one is difficult to access). The largest Kouros is located at the top of the village of Apollona in the north of the island, about 35 km away from Chora.
The most likely reason the Kouri statues were left unfinished was the discovery of large cracks in their bodies during construction, which led builders to abandon the project. However, some researchers believe they were left incomplete due to the death of the customer who ordered them or because of extraordinary political events during ancient times.
The Kouros statue in Apollona is almost 10 meters long and dates back to the 6th century BC. It is located near the entrance of the ancient quarry of Apollona, just outside the village entrance. The statue is believed to represent either the god Dionysus or the god Apollo.
The second Kouros in Melanes at Fleryo is the easiest to visit as it is more accessible to tourists. This statue dates back to around the 7th century BC and measures about 6.5 meters long. It lies on the ground in a field full of olive trees and is now the property of the Kondyli family, in the same location where the ancient craftsman originally worked on it.
