Karaisaki square in Athens is a hot spot for travelers. In the middle of the plaza stands the sculpture of Icarus. Crafted from metal, this male figure is seen plunging to the ground, wings extended, shoulder crashing into a pyramid, which is meant to mimic the earth. This monument has been known to stir up a lot of emotion and ignite some passionate debates.
Although some speculate that the sculpture symbolizes a fallen angel or even Lucifer himself, it is, in fact, based on the myth of Icarus, who refused to heed warnings and flew too close to the sun, leading to his untimely demise.
The Icarus Monument in Athens commemorates the aviators who perished in the line of duty.
The all-greek association of aviation veterans and the association of aviation officers initiated the construction process in 2000, following the renovation of Karaiskakis square, which was necessitated by the completion of the Metaxurgio metro station.
Evangelos Moustakas and Ioannis Moustakas won the competition with their project of a seven-meter Icarus sculpture. It was erected the same year. The abstract shape of the statue was meant to pay tribute to all the lost pilots. The metal spikes circling Icarus express his descent from the heavens and commemorate his heroic deeds.
The sculptors wanted the water to be directed into the pyramid. To achieve this, an elaborate arrangement was devised within the structure, but it never became operational. Granite and marble make up the plinth which takes up the whole of Karaisaki square. It is composed of tiers which are lit up when darkness falls.
Accessing the Icarus monument in Athens is very straightforward:
Once you are at the Monument, take caution when crossing the roundabout due to the high traffic.
