Kouroi of Flerio
Kouroi of Flerio
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claudie62
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France1,474 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
There is a lot of confusion in the opinions. As located on the map it is the Kouros near Apollonas (nice little fishing village) in the north of the island. We have to park on the road, then about thirty steps and we are there. Statue of impressive size, archaic, it's not the Apollo!
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Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christos S
Naxos, Greece13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2013 • Solo
Apollona’s marble mine is regularly associated with the kouros type statue. A Kouros in general is a figure of a young man with his arms close to his body (but not attached to it) and the left foot slightly ahead of the other [because the next step would be with the right foot which was a good sign for the ancient Greeks]. We know for certain that the unfinished Kouros in the archeological museum of Naxos that was found in Apollon, comes from the beginning of the 7th century! Thus there is a possibility that the marble mines of Apollon were operational throughout the 8th century BC!

Now, about the “Kouros type” Dionysos of Apollonas. Well, it’s a kouros and it’s a Dionysos too. This is not a contradiction because the statue bares the characteristics of the kouros type statue’s mentioned above but it is not a young man, it is the first kouros type statue which has a beard and it is hald dressed, just like the smaler Dionysos in the national arcaeological museum of Athens. So, we assume it’s a Dionysos and many archaeologists believe that this Dionysos was meant to stand at the main entrance of the temple of Dionysos in Yria. Apparently, they had done it before (moving such a gigantic statue as the colossic Apollon in Delos) and they were ready for an even greater project. We must remember that the sea level reached, at that time, the temple of Yria in Agios Arsenios.
Another proof that it is a Dionysos is that the right hand of the statue of Dionysos, was holding a "kantharos", a cup for drinking wine which was identified as the cup of Dionysos. That was another innovation introduced in this statue in the "kouros type"style statues.
I know you have another question for me. Ok, it’s a kouros type Dionysos but when did they make it? And why is it unfinished? You really asked me the right questions! Well, in the past archaeologists and stupidologists gave various explanations concerning why the statue is unfinished and it's actual age. Many assumed that the marble cracked and they stopped sculpting it, like 2,500 years and thousands of vandals who passed from the area couldn’t do the damage. Some others assumed it was from the 7th century, just because it was found near the unfinished kouros which is at the naxos archaeological museum.

We know today, by the technique used, that it is not from the 7th century BC thus it is not older than the colossal Apollon of the Naxians in Delos (600 BC). So we assume that it is from the 6th century BC and I would say that if you read the “Ekonomika” of Aristoteles you will find out that the tyrant Ligdamis took over the island with the help of his friend Pisistratos and he exiled all the fat-ones (the aristocrats who were rulling Naxos until 545 BC) and confiscated all the unfinished statues in the mines that these rich people had ordered. This sounds like a perfectly good explanation to me. It also explains why there are so many unfinished Kouros around Naxos (2 big ones in Melanes also!!). After the death of Pisistratos, Lygdamis invited the exiled fat-ones to Naxos and asked them to buy back the statues but they refused. Anyway, that was not the time for statue making, the oligarchs took over again, then the democrats and then the Persian-Milecian fleet came to Naxos, unsuccessfully at first but the second time the island was devastated. No time for sculpting statues, I guess.

When did they start sculpting the Dionysos of Apollon? Difficult question, you got me there. I only know that one sculpture needed one year to make a statue of natural size , if he was working alone, but I am sure that many slaves worked on our Dionysos. I would say, they started sculpting around 560-555 BC.
I know that you have another question for me and if you don’t, you should. How come they made a Dionysos in a place called Apollonas . Well, my friend, the tablet ΙΕΡΟΝ ΧΩΡΙΟΥ ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΟΣ says that the village is Apollona’s village but it is younger than Dionyso’s statue. During the rule of Ligdamis, there was a shift of divine power from Dionysos (the traditional god of Naxos that the oligarchy ruled in his name), to Apollon, the god used byLigdamis as the mighty god and obviously he ruled in his name. He even tried to construct a temple of Apollon in Naxos Town which would be even more magnificent than the temple of Dionysos in Yria. Sometimes, religion and political power are so involved that you can’t really distinguish between them.
Besides, when it comes to money, who cares about gods…
Written September 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Superkatt
Sweden6,727 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2016 • Couples
There are two sites on island of Naxos where there are giant ancient marble sculptures of a Young man, or Kouros, can be seen. One location called Melanes and lies in the middle of the island, near the village of Flerio, and here can be seen two unfinished archaic statues, one called Kouros of Flerio, and another Kouros of Faranghi. Through the ancient time and until today this location served as a marble quarry for famous Naxian marble, and the quarry is still operating on the slope of the hill nearby. When people produced large marble statues in antiquity, they began their labour on the site, directly in the quarry, and began with putting the rough form for the colossus lying on the bedrock. Some of such cutting works went wrong, colossal statues got a crack or another injury, so this one was left on the site unfinished.
In this location there are two colossi to be seen, both from 8-7 century BC, measuring some 6-7 meters in length. If you park your car nearby the signed parking, just start to walk along the paved path and after some 100-150 meters you will find the first Kouros lying on the ground in some local people's backyard. Proceeding further along the path, going little up and down through the fields and passing goats and sheep, you arrive at the elevated platform with remains of another colossal statue of Kouros, this one in better condition. This second part of a walk from nr 1 to nr 2 takes some 15 minutes, some 400 -500 meter with some climbing, which can be half-difficult in summer. Take your walk in the early morning for better experience.

The second location where one can see a largest Kouros on Naxos, can be found near the village of Apollonas on the north side of island, and can be easily reached from the road. The site is signed, though there is no parking, you can park by roadside, and then climb uphill some maybe 30 meters, following the stony path. No tickets, no cafes, nothing else than a magnificent colossal ancient statue, cut out of the marble rock bed of an ancient marble quarry. And lying there since. It is known that the statue depicts the god Dionysos because of his characteristic beard and was meant to decorate the Temple of Dionysos in Naxos. Later on during the work the rough-cut statue got a crack and was left unfinished.
The place is picturesque and spectacular, it is rather high over the seashore and village and views are impressive. The walking path from the Kouros going down, crosses the car-road and continues down to the village, which is tourist-friendly with souvenirs, hotels and restaurants, and also nice golden sandy beach. We travelled by car, so I don't really know, but the way from village to Kouros seems to me to be rather long, and steep, so to take a taxi up and walking down if starting in Apollonas village seems to be a good idea.
Written January 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David A
Boston, UK135 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2018 • Couples
Almost unique because there is another similar figure carved out of the rock and left in position near Apollo (Apollonas) on the south west coast. The most interesting thing about the Kouros is what we don't know about it. Why was it made? Who ordered it? Why was it not taken to its intended destination? What does it mean? If you like mysterious places which let you use your imagination this is for you!
Written March 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

edith c
Antwerp, Belgium124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2013 • Couples
The well preserved unfinshed statue of Flerio in Melanes, that lies in a garden, is one of the three famous kouroi of Naxos. The stroll from the parking place is not far and the path is overshaded by lots of trees which makes this walk very plaisant and comfortable. Entering the garden, visiters are impressed and overwelmed by the stillness that surrounds the kouros. Walking a little bit further, a plaisant surprise awaits the thirsty visiters. Surrounded by trees and gardens, there is a little improvised taverna. An old couple tries to make a living, selling soft drinks and a few small souvenirs. The hike to the other kouros however is a little bit more difficult. As we passed the old marble quarry, we had to climb a long way on a steep hill and there was no shade at all, so we gave up. The visit to the kouros of Appolonas is very easy. Drive to Appolonas and when you see a sign 'Kouros' before arriving to the village, just park the car and walk up the stares to the Kouros. It only takes a minute to drive to Appolonas, a small seaside resort were you can have a meal or a drink and go for a swim. This will make your day!
Written June 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

COLIN B
Budapest226 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Couples
This is a very ancient (6th century BC) statue which went uncompleted. It is large and built from local marble from a nearby quarry.It is on top of a hill in a mountainous area. However, getting to it could be a problem. It is accessed by climbing about 70 uneven sized and large steps in a steep uphill formation. It may seem ok but there were no handrails. Quite a few people refused to climb them. It is not a place to go if you suffer from vertigo, shaky feet or temperament. It is, I believe unsafe foe small children because if you slip and fall that could be your lot. Spare us if there is dampness. Be warned.
Written July 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chakshu
15 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Family
The view from the top is amazing! The statue is also good enough. But if you're someone who's not fascinated by simple things as this one then there's no point in climbing up the stairs.
Written June 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

K S
London, UK47 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018
Entrance fee, clean the space around, take care of all the site, make this place worthy.

If we lose this and the rest of the antiquities, we are nothing ...
Written August 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

italian_in_NY
Austin, TX219 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Family
Visited on a hot but breezy afternoon with 4 kids between 4 and 7 yrs old.
The hikes to both kouros was interesting and diverse enough to keep kids and adults entertained. The explation on the board was very useful and got the kids attention. Total time about 40 min.
Written July 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melliehi
Malta1,577 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017 • Family
The kouros can be found around 400m up from Apollon beach on a side road. It is signposted so cannot be missed. On street parking is very restricted. Site is up paved steps so cannot be accessed if one has mobility issues. Took us all of five minutes to see. It is very roughly sculptured so must have been in initial stages. The view from next to the kouros is good too.
Written September 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Kouroi of Flerio, Naxos

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