Naxian Lions

The Lions were the Naxians’ tribute to Apollo around 600 BC. They were located on one side of the avenue that started at the archaic port of Skardana and led to the Sanctuary. The lions that are now on the Road of the Lions are imitations of the originals, which are kept in the Archaeological Museum. Of the 16 original lions, all or part of nine were saved, while a headless one (now with a new head) adorns the entrance to the naval base in Venice, next to the lion from the Sacred Way that linked Athens to Eleusis.