Giant 10-Meter Cretan Lyra Vies for Guinness World Record

Wednesday, 20 May 2026/Source: Cretan Magazine/1 min read

A giant Cretan lyra, standing 10 meters tall, is bidding for a Guinness World Record in the village of Pitsidia, near Matala on the southern coast of Heraklion prefecture. The oversized version of Crete's iconic traditional string instrument has been placed directly on the main road through the village, making it clearly visible to passing drivers and travelers. Pitsidia is a small village a short drive from the popular beach of Matala, a well-known stop on the southern Crete tourist circuit. The lyra is central to Cretan musical culture and remains widely played at local festivals and celebrations across the island. Visitors traveling between Matala and the Mesara plain will pass directly by the structure. No record confirmation date has been announced yet.