If you’ve been to Rhodes – perhaps on a Greece property viewing trip, I’m sure you’ve taken the time to imagine the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, built in about 292 BC. Sadly the ancient wonder was totally destroyed, but plans have long been discussed concerning the building of a new Colossus, one that is not a replica of the old but that will bear some of the magic and the memories of the old statue.

Evidently the citizens of Rhodes are keen for this to happen and local officials think that it will a great tourist attraction, but it’s difficult to see where cash strapped Greece will raise the estimated €200 million required for the project. Previous reports say that the money will come from international investors and the German artist Gert Hof but the current financial downturn may well have put the brakes on the project.

The structure will be “a highly innovative light sculpture,” according to the island’s mayor. Like the original, the statue will be dedicated to the idea of peace, but this one would be partly built out of melted-down weapons from around the world.

It will be interesting to see if this project comes to fruition. But hope springs eternal: after all, the new Acropolis Museum was almost 30 years in the planning!

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