Monument of Kalliopi Papalexopoulou

The ‘Mother of the Nafplio Revolt’

Kalliopi Papalexopoulou was born in Patra in 1809. She studied in Ancona, Italy, and from a young age, she was impressed by the ideas of the French Revolution. In 1824, she moved to Nafplio and married the first Mayor of the city, Spyridon Papalexopoulos. She was known for her liberal spirit and her philanthropic nature, while her house had been converted into a literary centre. She was a leading figure in the ‘Nafpliaka’ of 1862, i.e., the uprising against King Otto; the movement was unsuccessful, and Papalexopoulou was cast out by the Palace. When Otto was dethroned, the interim government recognized her actions and awarded her an honorary pension of five hundred drachmas. She died on 8th February 1899, without financial resources.

What are the characteristics of the sculpture?

Papalexopoulou is depicted full length on the marble stele, standing behind the railing of her balcony. She is dressed in traditional attire, and her hair is braided. Her right hand is raised in a position of greeting, and at the top of her figure, the phrase ‘People of Nafplio, Be Courageous’ is engraved, while below the depiction is engraved: KALLIOPI PAPALEXOPOULOU, 1809-1898.

When was the work commissioned and installed?

The monument was crafted in Athens in 1990. Today it is located in the Syntagma Square of Nafplio, in front of the National Bank building, the place where the heroine’s home was formerly located.