Statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis in Nafplio illuminated

2021 is an important milestone for Greece and Greeks around the world.

It marks 200 years since the beginning of the Greek revolution that secured Greece’s independence after centuries of Ottoman Turkish tyranny.

To commemorate the start of the bicentennial celebrations, a statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis (Θεόδωρος Κολοκοτρώνης), one of Greece’s most revered heroes, was last week illuminated in Nafplion with the Greek flag.

Unveiled in 1901 and created by Greek artist Lazaros Sochos, the statue is located in the gardens below the fortress.

According to ERT, the municipality of Nafplion and the Ministry of Environment, Culture, Sports and Tourism, had planned a big event, but unfortunately due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown in Greece, it was unable to happen.

"Nevertheless, the Municipality of Nafplio, made the symbolic start of the celebrations, from the statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis to honour the 'hero' as well as the role of Nafplio in the struggle for freedom," the municipality of Nafplion said in a statement.

Theodoros Kolokotronis

Greek General Theodoros Kolokotronis is known as the ultimate symbol and leading figure of the Greek War of Independence, which took place from 1821 to 1830.

He is also known as the Elder of Morias.

His greatest success was the defeat of the Ottoman army under Mahmud Dramali Pasha at the Battle of Dervenakia in 1822.

In 1825, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Greek forces in Peloponnese.

Today, Kolokotronis ranks as the most prominent figure in Greece’s War of Independence.