Smiling Lion from Kea Island

in #travel7 years ago

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On a small island and an hour's ferry ride from the Greek capital of Athens, there is an ancient statue of a lion who enigmatically smiles. This happy beast does not live in a museum, but really lying in the middle of a steep rocky slope.

The figure of the lion is carved in a 6-meter granite rock by an unknown author. It is not even possible to determine with precision the number of centuries through which the lion watches the world.

Smiling Lion


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The lion's smile turned to the nearby village of Lulida.

Like another known mysterious smile, and that of the Kea lion, it remains a mystery. Ironically or blissfully, and perhaps both, the gem of the stone beast is undoubtedly friendly and well-meaning.

But one thing is certain - there is no such ancient image of a smiling lion anywhere else in the world

The smile of the lion


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The beautifully sculptured stone figure dates back to the 6th century BC and is carved into a rock fragment on the small, picturesque Greek island of Kea, part of the Cycladic island group.

According to the legends of the island, the lion of Kea (or Lionda) is related to Greek mythology.

The local legend tells that once Kea Island was an idyllic green paradise - the home of the beautiful nymphs. But their beauty, as well as their heavenly island, provoked the jealousy of the gods, and they sent you a huge lion-like beast to expel the nymphs and to devastate the island. As a result of Kea, the water disappeared and all plants and trees began to dry and die.

Then people turned to help the son of god Apollo, Aristide, who took the wise decision to build a temple in honor of the most powerful god - Zeus. The testimony of the zeal echoed Zeus and he sent rain on the island.

With the water of Kea, the nymphs returned, restoring the vegetation and fertility of the island, and the people were donated with a rich harvest. As a sign of satisfaction, Zeus restrained the lion and left him living on the Paradise Island.

And this smiling stone lion was created by an unknown stonemason in memory of the tame beast

Kea - a general plan of the island


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The stone lion can be seen not far from the capital of the island, Julida. The huge statue is one of Kea's most visited attractions.

Julida reflects the spirit of traditional Greek island villages. On the narrow stone streets, you will not see cars because they are left at the entrance of the city. Local people move only with donkeys

Donkey - the only carriage on the island of Kea


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The lion is carved with a smile on his face, he has lain undisturbed for several millennia. Though the elapsed time has visibly reflected on the stone, and his image is worn, it continues to admire the precision of the artistic skills of the people of the era before Christ.

The lion is set amidst a beautiful landscape of breathtaking stone terraces dressed in greenery

Local Site Plan


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The blissful smile of the lion's face is so realistic that it makes you believe in the legend about it.

A daily Smiley Lion program provides photos of tourists staying in his worn-out paws



Thank you for reading it - SuggeElson


Photos: pixabay.com

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excellent post, I like what you do, you are a great, I am your faithful follower @joserc.vzla

Thank you @joserc.vzla, appreciate it

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