Italian Bonded Marble

Italian Bonded Marble

A proud heritage

With 3,000 years of history at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it's no wonder that Greece today offers the visitor an unparalleled array of cultural and archaeological gems. This country of vibrant cities and picturesque islands contains no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And although the more familiar ones, such as the Acropolis of Athens or Olympia, stem from the age of classical antiquity, the Sites as a whole range from prehistoric to much more modern times – and they reflect the wide spectrum of civilisations that have populated the country's shores and made modern Greece what it is today.

As befits a country that has looked to the sea for its commerce, colonisation and conquests, Greece's most accessible UNESCO properties are on or near its extensive coastline. Indeed, before the advent of air travel, the main access to Athens was from the water. On a clear day, you can stand on the monumental gates of the Acropolis – an ancient citadel and sacred sanctuary in one – and observe the ferries departing the port of Piraeus where, in 480BC, the Persian fleet landed and its soldiers marched on to burn Athens itself.

The Athenians who took the advice of the diviners too literally (‘The city's wooden walls will save you') perished, but the ones who interpreted the oracle correctly – the ‘wooden walls' being Athens' battleships – defeated Xerxes in a naval battle outside Piraeus. The destruction already caused by the Persians led to the Acropolis being rebuilt during the Golden Age of Athens, and created the elegance of its marble buildings as well as their architectural harmony.

The sleepy village of Katakolon, perched on a long, pine-covered peninsula, is the gateway to Greece's other world-famous UNESCO territory – Olympia. Katakolon, a quiet fishing community of 300-odd souls, is the place to relax at a friendly harbourfront taverna and look out to sea while feasting on delicious freshly caught seafood and ice-cold beer. For some this is enough, but most venture inland on their holiday cruisesto experience the magic of Olympia. Today's serene site, surrounded by hoary olive groves, is beautiful in itself, but to the ancients it was an important part of their lives: Olympic competitions were used to measure time; hostilities were suspended for their duration; and, because only Greeks could compete, the games were a bond that held together a nation split into a variety of city-states.

 

Steps, cults and royal tombs

Nauplia became the first capital of modern Greece in 1829, and it is the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress, hovering above the city, that catches the eye today. Of course, not everyone is willing to climb the fort's 857 steps, however impressive the view from its bastions, but the city is favoured by Greeks who come here simply to relax in its atmospheric, cobbled streets. It is easy to lose days wandering under narrow balconies overhanging with bougainvillea and jasmine.

Nauplia is the gateway to two of Greece's most spectacular UNESCO jewels. The first is Epidaurus, the site of a temple to Apollo's son – Asklepios – whose healing powers inspired an ancient cult that persisted long after Christianity took hold. The adjoining town prospered with the influx of the sick and infirm, and a string of monumental buildings were erected, including the ancient theatre, which is still in use. Tour guides demonstrate its acoustics by spreading the members of their group in the higher stands and striking a match centre-stage; nobody fails to hear the resulting swish.

The second UNESCO property in the area includes the Bronze Age settlements of Mycenae and Tiryns. According to myth, Mycenae was the kingdom of Agamemnon, hero of Homer's Iliad and commander of the Greek forces throughout the Trojan War. The travails of his dynasty left an astonishing legacy of city gates, mighty Cyclopean walls and deep, Egyptian-like royal tombs that were erected a barely believable 10 centuries before the buildings on the Acropolis.

Greece's ‘capital of the north', Thessaloniki, has been one of the most important Balkan ports since the Roman era, and is itself a Heritage Site containing no less than nine different UNESCO monuments for visitors to explore. Apart from the arch of Galerius and the ‘Rotunda' – a round temple of Zeus converted to the world's oldest surviving Christian place of worship – treats include Byzantine churches that range from the 7th-century basilica of Aghios Demetrios, with some of the earliest Christian mosaics to be seen anywhere, to the brick and stone chapel of Aghios Nikolaos Orfanos, whose unprepossessing exterior hides a surfeit of intense, vibrant 14th-century frescoes.

 

Heading offshore

The capitals of Greece's most visited islands – Rhodes and Corfu – are also UNESCO Sites. Rhodes Old Town, a shady warren of medieval lanes, was the headquarters of the Knights of St John after they were forced to flee the Holy Land in 1309; the city only succumbed to Suleyman the Magnificent in 1522 after a long siege. Today's visitors can arm themselves with maps and explore the fascinating old quarter; dine and relax at picturesque Mandraki Harbour while gazing at its medieval windmills; and swim, sunbathe and then watch the sunset at the nearby sandy beach.

Corfu's Old Town lies safely between the imposing Old Citadel and the functional New Fort. Although there are still touches of the Venetian fortifications that once stood here, it was really the British post- Napoleonic occupation and the subsequent civic reconstruction that shaped today's city profile: this is, after all, a Greek island with its own cricket pitch!

Those who want authentic Venetian colour on their cruise travel should sail to Cephalonia, a few hours away, and visit the fishing village of Fiskardo. It's a real step back in time to when La Serenissima ruled the Mediterranean. Cephalonia is an island of 11 blue flag beaches with clear, translucent waters, and mountain peaks that stand over 1,500 metres tall. Another option is the ruined Venetian castle on Zakinthos that succumbed to a catastrophic Ionian earthquake in 1953. This is the musical island of Greece, where the inhabitants have a singing accent and use operatic Italian words in everyday speech, a place where rare sea-turtles will come to lay their eggs on the pristine sands of remote sea coves and where, on weekend evenings, the locals serenade for pleasure in remote mountain villages.

Knossos, on the island of Crete, boasts a partially restored Minoan Palace which, with its vividly coloured murals and inspired reconstruction, captures the imagination in ways that many other archaeological sites do not. It is currently on UNESCO's tentative list, waiting for its status to be finalised. The palace is a product of the oldest European civilisation, which reached its apex a full four centuries before Mycenae. Its maze of 1,000 interlocking chambers provided the setting to the myth of the Minotaur, a mythical half-man, half-bull that consumed seven boys and girls from Athens, paid as a nine-yearly tribute to King Minos. It was the king's lovestruck daughter, Ariadne, who provided the hero, Theseus, with a sword and a ball of red thread so that he could kill the monster and find his way out of the labyrinth safely.

The cause of the collapse of the Minoan civilisation can be seen on the glorious island of Santorini, which is approached through a still-active volcanic caldera; looking up the steep rim, the blinding-white dwellings look like intricate icing on a giant cake. The landscape is as spectacular from above: seasoned travellers have been silenced to tears watching the sunset from Thera or Oia, two towns suspended at the edge of the marine crater. Recent excavations at Akrotiri have discovered a city that was buried underneath lava when the volcano exploded, causing a tsunami that may have destroyed the Minoan society. With whisperings that this is the true location of the mythical Atlantis, Santorini is the UNESCO-Site-That-Ought-To-Be – but as the mystery is still being unravelled, that may have to wait a little longer.

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Three Graces Bonded Stone Wall Relief $81.00 This accurate cultured marble reproduction has incredible detail and really captures the beauty of the original masterpiece. This work of art would look stunning in any home or office. The original can be found at the Louvre Museum, Paris. 100 B.C.They are the beautiful sister Goddesses who attended Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, and were personifications of grace and beauty. They spread the joy ...

12.5 16th-century Italian Nude Art Ares Greek God Bonded Marble Statue Sculpture $77.95 Ares Classical Greek God Bonded Marble StatueMars by Jacopo Sansovino (1487-1570)The classic composition of muscled warrior and powerful god in this flawless, museum-quality sculpture of great beauty is inspired by the 16th-century Italian works of Jacopo Sansovino. Complete with details including a spear and shield, it is cast in fine quality, bonded natural marble for your home gallery..5"Wx3½"...

SALE!! Blessed Virgin Mary Bonded Marble Statue Our Lady of Grace folds her hands in reverent prayer in this classic composition of great skill and beauty. Italian-inspired, our figurine is painstakingly rendered, from the folds of her garments to the peaceful face of the Madonna. The Blessed Mother is cast in fine-quality, bonded natural marble for proud display in home or gallery. 3and 1/2"dia.x11and 1/2"H. 3 lbs....

White Bonded Marble Giuseppe Verdi Bust $46.99 This bust is a replica the Italian opera writer and composer Giuseppe Verdi. This stunning statue is crafted by artisans and can bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office.

White Bonded Marble Giuseppe Verdi Bust $46.99 This bust is a replica the Italian opera writer and composer Giuseppe Verdi. This stunning statue is crafted by artisans and can bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office.State: UtahDepicts the composer Giuseppe Veri Constructed of white bonded marbleCrafted by artisans in the United StatesMeasures 9 inches high x 4 inches wide x 3 inches deep This product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? MARBLECast Products, Inc. was established as a full-service manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1995. Inspired by their Greek heritage, the Karpos family began importing Greek handcrafted souvenirs in 1991, solely for supplying Greek festival gift shops around the United States. However, of all the items imported, the statues were the most popular. After three years of importing, the family began exploring the possibility of manufacturing the statues locally to save on import costs, to control quality and to be able to fulfill orders promptly. Two years of research and development successfully created the unique white bonded marble recipe that is still used today, exclusively. All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The feel of the product is smooth and cold to the touch, because it is marble. No exterior finishes or paints are used, leaving crisp detail and a high-quality, smooth natural finish. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Achilles Statue $36.99 The famous figure of Achilles is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing six inches tall, this marble sculpture is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahReplica of existing statue of AchillesOriginal marble currently resides in Corinth, GreeceConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 6.3 inches high x 4 inches wide x 3 inches deepThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Demetre Statue $36.99 This statue replica of Demetre the Goddess of harvest is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing ten inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahDepicts the bust of Demetre (Demetra) the goddess of harvestConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 10 inches high x 4 inches wide x 2 inches deepThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Turtle Statue $20.99 This lovely bonded marble sculpture is of a turtle, like so many of those that reach the Mediterranean shores every year. This stunning statue is crafted by artisans and can bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office.State: UtahDepicts a Mediterranean turtle Constructed of white bonded marbleCrafted by artisans in the United StatesMeasures 4 inches longThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution?MARBLECast Products, Inc. was established as a full-service manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1995. Inspired by their Greek heritage, the Karpos family began importing Greek handcrafted souvenirs in 1991, solely for supplying Greek festival gift shops around the United States. However, of all the items imported, the statues were the most popular. After three years of importing, the family began exploring the possibility of manufacturing the statues locally to save on import costs, to control quality and to be able to fulfill orders promptly. Two years of research and development successfully created the unique white bonded marble recipe that is still used today, exclusively. All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The feel of the product is smooth and cold to the touch, because it is marble. No exterior finishes or paints are used, leaving crisp detail and a high-quality, smooth natural finish. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Athena with Shield Statue $41.99 Athena, the goddess of wisdom, skills and warfare is depicted in this marble statue wearing her traditional helmet and carrying her spear and shield. This 9-inch statue is constructed of white bonded marble.Modeled after the world-famous originalConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 9 inches highThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA.What is the Main Street Revolution?All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Athena with Spear Statue $102.99 Athena, the goddess of wisdom, skills and warfare is depicted in this marble statue wearing her traditional helmet and carrying her spear and shield. This 16-inch statue is constructed of white bonded marble.Modeled after the world-famous originalConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 16 inches highThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA.What is the Main Street Revolution?All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used; they need nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Aphrodite Posing Nude Statue $39.99 Aphrodite, or Venus, the Goddess of Beauty, Love and Youth is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing 9 inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.Depicts the Goddess Aphrodite in the nudeConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 9 inches highThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA.What is the Main Street Revolution?All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Diana Classical Bust $41.49 The famous bust of the Greek Mythology Goddess Diana (Artemis) the Huntress is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing eight inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahDepicts the bust of Diana (Artemis), the HuntressConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 8 inches high x 5 inches wide x 3 inches deepThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Nike of Samothrace Statue $32.99 The famous Greek statue of Nike of Samothrace is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing eight inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahReplica of the statue of Nike of Samothrace Original currently resides in Louvre Museum - Paris, FranceConstructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 8 inches high x 5 inches wide x 2 inches deepThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

Bonded Marble Charioteer of Delphi Large Head Bust $122.99 The famous bust of Charioteer of Delphi is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing ten inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahDepicts the bust of Charioteer (Iniohos) of Delphi Constructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 10 inches high x 7 inches wide x 7 inches deepThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Socrates the Philosopher Mini Bust $21.99 The famous bust of Greek philosopher Socrates is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing six inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahDepicts the bust of Socrates the philosopher Constructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 6 inches high This product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.

White Bonded Marble Apollo Belvedere Classical Bust $40.99 The famous bust of Apollo Belvedere is depicted in this elegant white marble statue. Standing eight inches tall, this marble statue is a lovely decorating piece for any room in your home.State: UtahDepicts the bust of Apollo Belvedere Constructed of white bonded marbleMeasures 8 inches high x 5 inches wide x 2 inches deepThis product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? All statues are proudly manufactured and handcrafted in the MARBLECast facility in Salt Lake City, Utah using only the finest exclusive in-house blend of bonded marble material. The material and the casting process allows for even minute details like fingernails, eyelids, wings, swirls and bumps. The feel of the product is smooth and is cold to the touch...because it is marble. No exterior finishes, paints or polishes are used, needing nothing to enhance their appearance. The color is clean white, the surface has no pin-holes or flaws like plaster would give, enhancing only crisp detail, and it has a high-quality smooth natural finish. Most products less than 20-inches are cast solid, depending on the overall dimension of the model. Our white bonded marble cast statues rival any similar products seen in Europe and any similar products found as imports. The proof is seeing it up close.