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Apollonas Kouros: An Unfinished Marvel

Discover the unfinished Apollonas Kouros, a colossal marble statue offering a glimpse into ancient Greek artistry and mythology on Naxos Island.

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The Apollonas Kouros is a colossal, unfinished marble statue dating back to the 6th century BC, located near the village of Apollonas on the northeastern coast of Naxos. This impressive monument offers a glimpse into ancient Greek sculpting techniques and the island's rich history.

A brief summary to Apollonas Kouros

  • Drimalia, 843 02, GR

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves some walking on a well-marked path with 56 steps.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Apollonas Beach and the charming village.
  • Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited near the statue.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Naxos Town, take the KTEL bus line 5 towards Apollonas. The bus departs from the central bus station near the port. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, and tickets cost between €4 and €6. From the Apollonas bus stop, walk approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 20 minutes) along a scenic route to the Kouros.

  • Walking

    If already in Apollonas village, the Kouros is a 1.5 kilometer walk. Follow the signs towards the Kouros, which will lead you along a well-marked path. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Car

    From Naxos Town, drive north on the main road (Epar. Od. Naxou - Apollonas) towards Apollonas. The journey is approximately 31 kilometers and takes about 50 minutes. As you approach Apollonas village, look for the brown historical signs indicating the Kouros. Limited free parking is available near the site. Be careful on the narrow roads and deep road edges.

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Discover more about Apollonas Kouros

The Kouros of Apollonas, also referred to as the Colossus of Dionysus, is an unfinished statue of light grey Naxian marble. It stands 10.7 meters tall and weighs around 80 tonnes. The statue is located in one of the oldest marble quarries in Greece, near the village of Apollonas. Kouroi are large marble statues depicting young males, which dominated Greek art after the Middle Archaic period. This Kouros dates back to the Archaic period of Ancient Greece, around the turn of the seventh and sixth centuries BC. It was initially thought to be a statue of Apollo, but archaeologists later identified it as likely representing the god Dionysus due to the presence of a beard. Several theories exist as to why the statue was never completed. The most plausible explanation is that the marble had faults or that it was simply too heavy to transport with the available technology. Despite being unfinished, the statue offers a fascinating look into the methods used by ancient Greek sculptors. Visitors can still discern the shape of the body, head, beard, and ears, as well as the marks left by chisels and other tools. The site is open 24 hours and is free to visit.

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