sleeping lion, Nafplio Travel Guide

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A monumental rock sculpture in Nafplio commemorating Bavarian soldiers who died serving Greece, a poignant landmark with historical significance.

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sleeping lion

The Sleeping Lion, also known as the Lion of Bavaria, is a monumental sculpture carved into the rock in Nafplio, Greece. Created in the 19th century, it commemorates the Bavarian soldiers who died of typhoid fever while serving in Greece. The sculpture is a prominent landmark and a poignant reminder of a historical event.

A brief summary to sleeping lion

Michail Iatrou 22, Nafplion, 211 00, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring sleeping lion.

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for a more serene experience and fewer crowds.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Church of Aghii Pandes and the Nafplio graveyard.
Take some time to relax in the small park in front of the monument and admire the view.

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Προμαχώνας Λεωνίδας

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Getting There

Walking

From Syntagma Square in the heart of Nafplio, walk northeast along Michail Iatrou Street for approximately 15-20 minutes. The Sleeping Lion will be on your left, between the Church of Aghii Pandes and the new graveyard. The walk is mostly flat and offers a pleasant way to see the city. No costs are associated with walking.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Nafplio. A short taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the Sleeping Lion will cost approximately €5-€7. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxis can be found in central locations or booked by phone.
Public Transport

Local buses connect various points in Nafplio. Check local bus schedules for routes that pass near the Church of Aghii Pandes or the new graveyard. A single bus fare within the city limits typically costs around €1-€2. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Sleeping Lion.

Discover more about sleeping lion

The Sleeping Lion, or Lion of Bavaria, is an imposing sculpture located in the Pronoia district of Nafplio, Greece. Carved into the natural rock, this large monument depicts a sleeping lion and serves as a memorial to the Bavarian soldiers who perished from typhoid fever in the region between 1833 and 1834. These soldiers were part of the retinue of King Otto, the first king of Greece, who was himself of Bavarian descent.King Ludwig I of Bavaria, Otto's father, commissioned the sculpture. Created by German sculptor Christian Heinrich Siegel between 1840 and 1841, it is based on the Lion of Lucerne by Bertel Thorvaldsen. The sculpture is one of the most significant open-air works of art from 19th-century Greece. An inscription in both German and Greek at the base of the monument dedicates the lion to the Bavarian soldiers who died.The sculpture is located on Michail Iatrou Street, between the Church of Aghii Pandes and the modern graveyard. A small park with benches sits in front of the monument, offering a space for visitors to rest and reflect.