Oria Monument

On 12 February 1944, the Norwegian ship ORIA, requisitioned by the Germans, sank in severe weather almost with all hands lost off the islet of Patroklos at Legraina. More than 4,000 souls were crammed on board, all Italian soldiers taken prisoner by the Germans and being transported from Rhodes to Piraeus. Unknown until the wreck was discovered and identified, the tragedy came to light through the research of the “Chrysi Tomi Keratea” association and the then Regional Governor, Mr P. Filippou.
It is the deadliest shipwreck in the modern history of the Mediterranean, claiming the lives of at least 4,095 soldiers. The erection of the Monument in the area stands as a minimal tribute to the people who were lost. This entire effort brought Italians and Greeks together, resulting in the outstanding documentary “MemORIA” (by Giorgos Iatrou), which was awarded at the Thessaloniki Film Festival. The translation of the book The Mess Tin at the Bottom of the Sea by Paolo Ciampi further complemented the commemorative events.

In addition to the erection of the monument, AEGEAS AMKE undertook the symbolic planting of more than one thousand olive trees in its surrounding area.