Ethnikis Antistasis (National Resistance) Square is the central square – park of Arta, on Skoufa Street, near Monopolio Square. It is better known as Agios Dimitrios Square since the city’s metropolitan church, which lies there, is dedicated to St. Dimitrios. It was associated with the National Resistance because of the homonymous monument that was erected just outside the church in 2005. It is paved and spacious with trees and surrounded by shops, agencies, and cafes.
The monument to the dead soldiers of the National Resistance (1941 – 1945) consists of two marble and rectangular slabs placed side by side, one on top of the other. A relief-like brass composition of figures has been adapted on the surface of the upper slab. The composition depicts a female winged figure with Victory, Freedom, and Peace characteristics, walking forward holding a dove. Behind her, two warriors follow, carrying their weapons. A fighter lying on the ground and a female figure leaning on him complete the composition.
The lower slab bears an inscription in honor of the dead during the national resistance, accompanied by lyrics of Kostis Palamas (Greek poet):
HONOR AND GLORY
TO THE FIGHTERS OF THE NATIONAL RESISTANCE
FOR THEIR LIBERATION FIGHT
AGAINST FOREIGN OCCUPATION
1941 – 1945
“”The greatness of nations is not measured in acres.
It’s measured with the fire in their hearts and their blood.””
Kostis Palamas

The two side slabs are based on a low, rectangular marble base.
A metal plate attached to the back of the monument gives information about the time and reason for its construction:
STANDING REQUEST OF
NATIONAL RESISTANCE FIGHTERS
1941 – 44 M. of ARTA
MARCH 2005
PANOS OIKONOMIDIS
MAYOR OF ARTA
The sculptor, Dimitrios Tsirogiannis, created the monument. Born in 1974, he studied at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts and has held numerous solo and group exhibitions in various cities in Greece, including Arta, Ioannina, Hydra, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Aegina. Apart from Arta, his works have been placed in Lesvos and Zitsa in Ioannina.
The Ethnikis Antistasis square is the busiest square of Arta, a place of meetings and various events.