A 500-ton marble sculpture created from a single block of Naxos marble has begun its journey from the Greek island to Switzerland.
The monumental “Lyra of Naxos,” created by sculptor Tobias Ballaty, began moving from a quarry in Kinidaros on September 29. Its final destination is Basel, Switzerland.
The sculpture measures 12 meters (39.37 feet) long, 6 meters (19.69 feet) wide and 6 meters (19.69 feet) high. The transport operation is expected to continue through Saturday. It involves a special 12-axle self-propelled modular transporter and several night-time journeys to the port.
A 500-Ton Sculpture Made From One Block of Marble
The artist has worked on the sculpture at the quarry for more than six months. The wider project began around 2023, according to the people involved in the operation.
The sculpture remains a single piece of marble. After leaving the quarry, it is expected to be transported by sea before continuing toward Basel.
The scale of the operation has also prompted contact with Guinness World Records. However, the process is still underway. There is no confirmed Guinness record at this stage.
A Modern Sculpture With an Ancient Naxian Echo
The journey also recalls Naxos’ long history of working with enormous marble blocks.
At the ancient quarries of Apollonas stands an unfinished colossal sculpture measuring 10.45 meters (34.28 feet) high. It is commonly known as the Kouros of Apollonas and is described by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades as the largest known sculpture of the Archaic period.
The ancient sculpture was roughly worked at the quarry before it was abandoned. The official archaeological account says the colossal works at Naxos were left unfinished after accidents caused damage. It also notes that other historical explanations have been proposed for their abandonment.
That makes the comparison with the modern “Lyra of Naxos” particularly striking. Both belong to very different eras, yet both are connected to Naxos’ ancient and modern marble-working tradition.
The modern sculpture, however, is now beginning a carefully engineered journey that will take it far beyond the island.
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