The municipality of Paleochora wanted a sculpture to represent the holiday resort of Paleochora. They also had an idea: dolphins. So they asked the sculptor Gerhard Stelzhammer to create a sculpture to greet people arriving near the docking station.
Gerhard chose the stone in Rocka, near Kissamos. The sandstone initially weighed over four tonnes, but now only weighs three tonnes.
He started work in the winter of 2022. First, he carved the dolphin and then another one was supposed to follow. But as a passionate snorkeller, Gerhard is fascinated by the diversity in the sea. And the turtle is also one of the local inhabitants of the sea. Whenever something important came up, an exhibition or a milestone birthday, a turtle would appear as a lucky charm, so to speak.
The community also liked the idea and agreed.
As beautiful as this sculpture with the two creatures is, it should also be seen as a warning. The sea here has changed radically in recent years. Dolphins can hardly be seen any more. Over twenty years ago, they used to come to the coast regularly and a few years ago there were still boat trips to watch dolphins. In the meantime, this tourist offer has been discontinued due to the lack of dolphins. Turtles are also becoming increasingly rare.
Climate change can also be clearly observed in the sea and only humans have the power to do something about it.
But the sculpture can also be understood as a symbol for holidaymakers. “At first they are as lively as dolphins and after some time by the sea and in the Cretan sun, they become as calm as turtles,” smiles Gerhard Stelzhammer.
The sculpture is a gift from the sculptor to the municipality of Paleochora, which covered the costs of materials, transport and installation.
