Surrounded by the deep-blue Aegean Sea, located east of the Peloponnese Peninsula and south of the Greek capital city of Athens - the Saronic Islands are a fantastic opportunity to venture away from the mainland and get a flavour for island life. One of the Saronic jewels is Hydra, and in this article, I'll shed light onto the fascinating story of a statue that overlooks the main harbour of Hydra.
I remember from visiting in May 2023 with a couple friends, during a day-cruise from the port of Piraeus (Athens' 'gateway to the sea'), just how idyllic Hydra was. I'd like to dedicate this article to my dear friend Anne Morton-Norris (she's like a Nan to me!), for inspiring me to look into this topic when she asked during our visit: "Who is the statue overlooking the harbour on Hydra?". This led me to really look into, what I've since found out, is a really interesting part of Greece's history!
This statue, pictured above, is in fact a depiction of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis . It was placed atop the left bastion of the port just over 30 years ago, in 1993, whereby his remains lay below the statue. Our personal journey when visiting last year actually took the same route as Miaoulis' remains - they were originally buried in Piraeus near to the tomb of Thermistocles (an Athenian general), after Miaoulis' death in June 1834 - before they were transported to the island of Hydra.
The reason why this statue was placed in such a prominent place, is because of how much of a revered figure Miaoulis is to the people of Hydra. The bronze statue commemorates the man who commanded Greek naval forces in their eventual victorious 'Greek War of Independence' - which was fought between the years 1821 and 1829. This conflict's conclusion saw Greece regain land from the Ottoman Empire - with the likes of the Saronic Islands once again belonging to Greece.
The current borders of Türkiye and Greece are very much an outcome of this war - and with the Ottoman Empire (historic Türkiye plus additional territories) recognising Greece's autonomy - it was a huge step towards a lasting peace in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, because of this, Greek revolutionaries like Andreas Miraoulis are much-admired in modern Greek history to its people. And Miraoulis, who was born in Hydra, is therefore somewhat of the 'home town hero'.
It's very significant that he was born back in 1765, into Ottoman Empire controlled Hydra... but died 70 years later, in Athens, with the capital and his island of birth - securely under the control of the Kingdom of Greece. The way in which his statue overlooks the channel of water that acts as the gateway to the Aegean Sea and also access to Hydra's port - signifies to me a real metaphor for how Miaoulis is standing guard all these years on - proudly protecting the island of Hydra.
He stands tall - with a looking glass in his right hand and a ship's wheel in his left hand - looking out across to the right bastion on the opposite side of the harbour entrance. As an admiral of Greek ships in the early years of independence after the war - it just takes a bit of imagination to envisage Admiral Andreas Miaoulis expertly going about orchestrating his fleet out at sea!
Miaoulis, along with other shipowners, signed a document in April 1821, which expressed their willingness to bear the brunt of the financial expense for the naval operations required. This was done before the impending struggle... once the 'Revolution' was ignited in Hydra. He was able to do this from wealth attained through trade of items like corn and wheat. What was appreciated by the Greek people, back then especially, was his efforts to do this (support financially) and generally 'whatever he could' to aid the cause of resisting the over-lordship of the Ottoman Turks.
Testament to his legacy, as well as the prominent statue discussed - is the 'Miaoulute' (a festival). This takes place each year in June, as a way for the people of Hydra to honour Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. Further to this, the Hellenic (Greek) Navy decided to name a cruiser after him, back in 1879. This warship became known as the 'Navachos Miaoulis'. It weighed approximately 1,820 tonnes and lasted over 50 years of service, before being de-commissioned in the year of 1931.
All of this historic background has certainly proved to be enlightening to me, and its been really enjoyable further researching the historic story behind the statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis that overlooks Hydra's harbour. I have such fond memories of the few hours spent on the island during our day cruise to the trio of Saronic Islands: Hydra, Poros and Aegina, from Piraeus last year.
The viewpoint from the location of this Miaoulis statue - is without a doubt the best view we saw on the island. The port looks stunning from way up above on the left bastion. It's a look-out that I'm very glad we walked to and had the chance to experience. The view certainly had an epic history to learn about as well - definitely ensuring that this place will live long in my memory!
I hope you've enjoyed this voyage into the story of Andreas Miaoulis' statue in Hydra - and in turn I've hoped to answer and add context as to why his presence is in such a key place on the island of Hydra. It's certainly been an enjoyable 'Odyssey' for me researching this topic, reminiscing about our visit there and writing about it all. Efcharistó Greece, efcharistó Hydra and efcharistó Admiral Andreas Miaoulis!
By Aaron Woodruff
23/02/2024
Lessons and Joys of Travel
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