Monument of the National Resistance in Thessaloniki

The Monument of the National Resistance in Thessaloniki is a striking piece of art that honors the struggle and sacrifice of the Greek people during the Occupation. Created by artist Evangelos Moustakas, who worked on the monument from 1985 to 1987, as indicated by his engraved signature and date, the monument is filled with symbolism and emotional intensity.

At its center, a female figure with an ethereal presence, possibly symbolizing Liberty or Victory, is depicted with open arms, as if leading the way and calling for awakening and resistance. Beside her, a mother cradles her child, symbolizing the fight to protect children from hunger, bombs, and the devastation of war.

Two men are also portrayed: one with distorted features, silent and expressionless, while the other hangs by his neck, an image reminiscent of the horrific executions of the time. This monument leaves no one unmoved, vividly capturing the painful moments of the Occupation.

The monument is located near the statue of Alexander the Great, across from Xarchakos Park and the new City Hall of Thessaloniki. It was crafted at the artistic foundry of Dimitris Gavallas, the first artistic foundry in Greece, which contributed to the creation of many important works of art.

The Monument of the National Resistance is a point of reference and remembrance for the city, inviting visitors to reflect on the sacrifices of their ancestors and honor Greece’s history.