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Lion of the Bavarians: A Monument to Remembrance

A solemn rock-carved lion commemorates Bavarian soldiers who died in Nafplio, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Greek-Bavarian relations.

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The Lion of the Bavarians is a poignant sculpture carved into the rock face near Nafplio, Greece. Created in 1836 by German sculptor Christian Siegel, it commemorates the Bavarian soldiers who died from a typhoid epidemic while serving in Greece under King Otto. The monument offers a serene and reflective space with historical significance.

A brief summary to Lion of the Bavarians

  • Michail Iatrou 24, Nafplion, 211 00, GR

Local tips

  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for a quieter experience and pleasant weather.
  • Take some time to relax in the small park in front of the monument and enjoy the views.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby historical sites in Nafplio, such as the Palamidi Fortress or the Akronafplia.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lion of the Bavarians is located in the Pronoia area of Nafplio, a short walk from the city center. From Trion Navarchon Square, head east along Michail Iatrou Street. The monument is approximately 500m from the square and is easily visible from the road. There are no entrance fees or special tickets required to visit the site.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses connect various points within Nafplio. Check local schedules for the bus routes that pass near Michail Iatrou Street. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Lion of the Bavarians. Bus tickets cost approximately €1-€2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Nafplio. A taxi ride from the port or city center to the Lion of the Bavarians will cost approximately €5-€10. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Lion of the Bavarians

The Lion of the Bavarians, located in the Pronoia district of Nafplio, is a striking monument sculpted directly into the rock of Agia Moni Hill. This impressive sculpture, created in 1836 by German sculptor Christian Siegel, serves as a memorial to the Bavarian soldiers who perished from a typhoid epidemic between 1833 and 1834. These soldiers were part of the royal guard of King Otto, the first modern king of Greece, who was himself of Bavarian descent. King Ludwig I of Bavaria, Otto's father, commissioned the monument. Inspired by the Lion Monument of Lucerne in Switzerland, which commemorated Swiss soldiers killed in Paris during the French Revolution, Siegel carved the sleeping lion with a sad expression to reflect the grief over the soldiers' deaths. The sheer size of the sculpture made it one of the most important and largest open-air sculptures in Greece. An inscription in both German and Greek at the base dedicates the monument to the fallen soldiers. Interestingly, the locals have a different take on the story, referring to the monument as "Aggouroon" (cucumber), suggesting the soldiers died from eating too many cucumbers. Today, the Lion of the Bavarians is a reminder of the Bavarian influence in early modern Greece. Visitors can reflect in the small park with benches in front of the sculpture.

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