Long before towering cranes and modern ferries defined the skyline of Greece’s busiest port, a majestic marble lion stood watch over Piraeus—a silent guardian and iconic landmark whose mysterious history is far more fascinating than meets the eye.
A Symbol of Strength at the Heart of the Port
The Lion of Piraeus was a grand marble sculpture of a seated lion, carved from pristine white marble and standing nearly three meters tall. Its imposing presence once greeted sailors and travelers alike as they entered the harbor, serving as both a navigational marker and a symbol of strength. Reminiscent of the famed Lion of Chaeronea, it earned the harbor the name “Porto Leone” during the Middle Ages—a name that translated to “Port of the Lion” and was widely used on nautical maps and maritime records.
Interestingly, the port was also known by another name: Porto Draco, or "Port of the Dragon." According to legend, “dragons” were believed to be giant humans with the ability to transform into lion-like creatures—an early mythological attempt to explain the mysterious monument.
Under Ottoman rule, the port acquired the Turkish name Aslan Limanı (also meaning “Port of the Lion”). A curious and rather eerie local legend emerged during this period: a pregnant Turkish woman is said to have gazed upon the lion statue and immediately gave birth to a monstrous creature with the face of a lion, rabbit-like ears, and childlike limbs. The creature reportedly leapt to the ground, barking like a dog, only to be swiftly killed. French surgeon Fouchon, who was present, was allegedly forbidden from preserving it for scientific study.
Origins Lost in Time
The true origin of the Lion of Piraeus remains uncertain. We don’t know exactly when it was sculpted, who commissioned it, or why it was placed at the harbor. Ancient writers such as Pausanias and Strabo—who documented various monuments in Piraeus during its decline—make no mention of the lion, leading some scholars like Johan David Åkerblad to speculate that it was created around the 2nd century AD.
Others argue it may have been commissioned by Guy de la Roche, Duke of Athens, in the medieval period. Still others believe it dates from the Classical period. Yet, without solid archaeological evidence, the true age and origin of the sculpture remain an enduring mystery.
The first recorded mention of the port as “Porto Leone” appears on a 1318 nautical chart by Genoese cartographer Pietro Visconti. While this is the earliest known reference, it doesn’t rule out the possibility that the statue had stood there for centuries before.
From Greek Landmark to Venetian War Trophy
In 1687, during the Venetian-Ottoman War, Admiral Francesco Morosini led a campaign through Athens and Piraeus. As Venetian forces plundered monuments and cultural treasures, Morosini was particularly taken by the majestic lion. Recognizing its symbolic value—especially given that the lion was the emblem of Venice—he seized the sculpture and transported it to Venice, along with three smaller lion statues.
To this day, the original Lion of Piraeus remains in Venice, displayed at the entrance to the Venetian Arsenal—a stark reminder of the city’s long maritime dominance and its historic appetite for cultural spoils.
Norse Runes on Greek Marble?
Adding another layer to the lion’s mystique is the presence of runic inscriptions carved into its surface—rare and intriguing for a Greek monument. The runes, inscribed by Scandinavian mercenaries or travelers during the Viking Age, tell a tale of conquest and punishment.
Swedish scholar Carl Christian Rafn first deciphered the inscriptions in 1856. According to his translation, the carvings describe a group of Norsemen—led by a figure named Harald the Tall—who imposed harsh penalties on the Greek population after quelling a rebellion. The runes mention raids extending to Romania and Armenia, and suggest the lion was used as a canvas to commemorate their victory.
Although the only historically verifiable figure mentioned is Harald Hardrada, King of Norway from 1046 to 1066, there’s no definitive proof that he or his men ever set foot in Piraeus. Nonetheless, the runes hint at an unexpected intersection between Greek and Viking history.
A Replica for the Ages
Today, the original lion is gone from Piraeus, but its legacy lives on. A faithful replica has been erected near the port on Miaouli Coast, standing in tribute to the lost sculpture. It continues to greet modern-day visitors, evoking the power and intrigue that once captivated sailors, warriors, and conquerors alike.
Far more than just an ancient statue, the Lion of Piraeus is a powerful symbol of Greece’s rich maritime heritage—a silent storyteller that has witnessed centuries of history, conquest, and cultural exchange.
Whether as a myth, a monument, or a mystery, the lion still roars in the collective memory of Piraeus.
