Ioannis Varvakis

A bust in the harbor of Psara in honor of national benefactor Ioannis Varvakis, who was born in Psara on June 24, 1745. He excelled in many fields and enjoyed the appreciation of Empress Catherine of Russia. He was a leading member of the Filiki Etairia (Society of Friends) and an underwriter of the Greek Independence War. He amassed a large fortune, most of which he bequeathed to the Greek state after his death on January 10, 1825. His largest, most famous donation was the 1,000,000 rubles that he provided for the establishment of the Varvakeio Experimental High School, which is still open, providing a high level of free public education to Greek children.