A new work of art adorns Protaras from today. The sculpture "The Mermaid of Protaras", donated by the renowned sculptor Philippos Giapanis to the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia, was placed in the fountain of Melizona Square, in the center of the tourist resort.
The sculpture is inspired by the ancient myth of Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great, who drank the immortal water and was transformed into a mermaid, condemned to wander the seas forever. According to tradition, the mermaid asks every sailor with anguish: “Is King Alexander alive?” If she receives the answer “He lives and reigns and conquers the world,” she lets the ship continue its journey. However, if she learns that her brother has died, her sadness and guilt turn into rage, and with a lash of her tail she sinks the ship.
The myth is connected to the historical naval battle at Lefkolla, in Paralimni, between the successors of Alexander the Great, Antigonus the Cyclops and Ptolemy, when the mermaid, realizing that her brother was no longer alive, sank, according to legend, ships in her presence, leaving behind numerous ancient shipwrecks that to this day testify to his immortal memory.
Since then, the Mermaid stands on the dolphins, gazing at the sea and symbolizing the union of myth and history, the glory of Alexander and the indestructible beauty of the sea of Protaras.
The Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia expresses its warm thanks to Mr. Philippos Giapanis for the valuable donation, which comes to add another cultural treasure to Protaras, upgrading its aesthetic appearance and strengthening its cultural identity.
