Maria Malandri: A Symbol of Courage and Resistance from Rhodes

Maria Malandri, known as the “heroine of the hideout of Akramitis,” was an admirable woman from the village of Monolithos in Rhodes, who left an indelible mark on the history of World War II. Despite her young age, Maria played a pivotal role in supporting the resistance effort, using her intelligence and bravery to aid in the fight against the occupying forces.

The “Hideout”
Illiterate but highly intelligent, she could not read or write but knew well how to graze her sheep and face life’s dangers effectively. While searching for a lost goat in the mountains, she discovered the ideal spot for a wartime shelter: the “Hideout.” It was a cave that was nearly impossible to locate unless one was familiar with the terrain of Rhodes. With a narrow entrance that required crawling to access, it was an exceptionally inaccessible place for enemies.

Risking Her Life for Freedom
As a simple shepherdess, Maria used her daily work as a cover to remain inconspicuous while transporting food, supplies, and messages through rough paths. Her strategic approach and natural agility allowed her to escape the attention of the occupiers. On one occasion, three German soldiers reached the top of the cave, but using coded whistles, she alerted the spies, enabling them to hide and avoid detection.

What Was Said About Maria Malandri
The soldier from Corfu, Spyros Katechis, remarked: “She impressed me with her upright stature and her innocence combined with her naivety. For all of us who passed through the cave of Monolithos, Maria was our salvation.” Meanwhile, the Metropolitan of Karpathos-Kasos wrote in his book: “I said I would bring to light the souls of true heroes recruited from all social classes. Here is one, the best (Maria Malandri).”

The Medal for the Rhodian Woman
In 1987, the British government, in a special ceremony in Monolithos, awarded the “Partisan Medal” to the brave shepherdess Maria Malandri for her resistance actions, presented by the military attaché of the British Embassy in Athens.

The Legacy of a Heroine
Maria Malandri represents the devotion and courage of ordinary people who stood against the occupying forces during the war. Her story lives on, not only through the narratives of Rhodes’ residents but also as a source of inspiration for future generations. Today, through tributes like those of the Throne of Helios, her story is revived, honoring her contribution to the resistance and reminding us of the importance of memory and historical heritage.