Lion of Kea

An ancient sculpture carved from a solid slate rock, located near the village of Iulida. The sculpture is about 8 meters long and dates back to the VI-VII centuries B.C. It is considered one of the main symbols of the island. The lion is located on a path that starts in the area of Agios Spyridonas and ends in the picturesque bay of Othzia. This archaic monument is surrounded by many legends related to the drought experienced by the island in ancient times. According to myth, in ancient times, the island of Kea was called Hydros because of the abundance of water on the island. Nymphs (water fairies) lived in the picturesque forests of the island until their peace was disturbed by a ferocious lion, whose presence forced the nymphs to leave the island and provoked the anger of the gods. Salvation was brought by Aristeas, son of the god Apollo and the nymph Cyrene. This demigod from Thessaly managed to cool the anger of the gods, thanks to which the drought was significantly reduced. On the island began to blow cool northern winds, meltemi, which have since become a favorable and welcome phenomenon. The lion of Kea Island is not only an outstanding masterpiece of ancient art, but also a symbol of the island's rich mythology and history.