Plan Your Visit To Temple of Poseidon

One of the most beautiful temples in Greece, Temple of Poseidon, was built between 444 and 440 BC, with 38 columns that ascended 20 feet into the air. In the worship area, it also had a 20-foot-tall bronze figure of Poseidon. Approximately 80 kilometers from Athens, the capital city, the Temple is situated near Cape Sounion and offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Herodotus and Homer, two religious observances have both referred to the location as hallowed ground since 2800 BC. Poseidon is second only to Zeus in terms of power in Greek mythology, and ancient Greek sailors and fisherman prayed to Poseidon, the sea god, to protect them from storms and shipwrecks and frequently left animal sacrifices and other gifts in his honor.

On a clear day, you can see Aegina and the Peloponnese to the west, and Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos to the southeast. The architect of the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora of Athens, Iktinos, is assumed to have designed this temple as well. The slender Doric columns are down to sixteen, the location also has the few remnants of a propylaeum, a fortified tower, and an Athena temple from the sixth century.

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Essential Information

How to Reach

History

Design & Architecture

Location: Cape Sounion, Greece

Timing: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM till sunset (both in summer and winter)

Best Time To Visit - Even if you might be able to avoid the crowds in the cooler months, traveling in the summer, between June and September, will be much more comfortable for you. Every day of the year from 9:30 till sunset, the temple is open; the last admittance is 20 minutes before sunset. One must visit in late afternoon and witness the beautiful sunset here.

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1. By Bus: Since there are several bus routes operating from Athens, taking a bus is the simplest way to get to the attraction. Board the KTEL buses from the Pedion tou Areos bus stop which is close to the famous green line Victoria metro station. The bus takes around 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. The one way ticket starts from 6.5 euro, but is subject to change according to the season.

2. By Car: It can also be reached by car, though the final section from the highway to Cape Sounion can be difficult. But you can opt for Athens Riviera, a coastal route on the way to Sounio, which offers scenic views and you can also stop by various beaches which come in your way. It will take around 1-2 hours to reach by car, which offers more flexibility in your trip schedule. You can stay back for the sunset and not to worry about the last bus leaving for Athens.

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In the period between 444 and 440 BC, marble from the Agrilesa valley was used to construct the Temple of Poseidon.
The temple served as a palace where sailors and mariners aspired to placate Poseidon and win his favor because they thought that storms were the consequence of Poseidon's wrath.
Iktinos is believed to be the architect of this beautiful temple, who earlier built Parthenon and the famous Temple of Hephaestus in the ancient era of Agora.
Wilhelm Doprfel was the one who in the year 1884 first excavated the temple.
Between 1897 and 1913, Valerios Stais, made many other excavations, which were believed to be more systematic.

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The front porch of the temple has six Doric columns and was constructed in a hexastyle.
White marble from the Laureotic Olympus hill was quarried to make the columns.
Doric columns appear higher than they actually are because the tops of them are thinner than the bottoms.
The temple has six columns on each end and thirteen columns on each long side.
Just beyond the colonnade, in the center, there is a windowless rectangular space which is known as ‘hall of worship’, which also hosts the bronze statue of Poseidon, which is 5-meter tall.

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Highlights of Visit To Temple of Poseidon

During the Golden Age of Pericles, between 444 and 440 BC, Iktinos constructed the Temple of Poseidon.
The temple is situated on the edge of a rocky cliff, some 200 meters above sea level, and offers breathtaking sunset views of the Aegean Sea.
The temple provides a window into Attic tradition, mythology, and culture.
It was referred to as holy grounds by Herodotus and Homer, and it is the first Athenian landmark that can be seen from the Aegean Sea.
The marble Sounion Kouros statue, which dates to 590 BC, and the 460 BC "self-crowning athlete" are two of the artifacts that have been discovered.
A Poros temple that was being built when it was destroyed by the Persians in 490 BC is what the Temple of Poseidon is built upon.
16 of the temple's original 38 Doric columns still exist today. The 20th century saw the reconstruction of four of these columns.
It forms a Sacred Triangle of antiquity with the temple of Aphaia and the Parthenon on Aegina Island.

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Tips To Visit To Temple of Poseidon

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
Arrive at the meeting location at least 10 minutes before the trip starts.
To navigate the archaeological site of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, wear comfortable walking shoes.
The public entrance price to the archaeological site is €5 from 1 November to 31 March.
Bring a recyclable container with your own water.
Following your tour to the temples, spend some time relaxing on the beach.
The temples are magnificent, as are the vistas from the top. Therefore, take lots of pictures and don't forget your camera.
Dress warmly if you're coming in the winter months because it can get chilly and windy there.

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FAQs For Plan Your Visit To Temple of Poseidon

The Temple of Poseidon is situated on a rocky outcrop that drops 65 meters to the water. It was constructed of marble from the adjacent town of Agrilesa in 444 BC, the same year as the Parthenon, and is a vision of sparkling white columns. When they first caught a sight of white, ancient sailors knew they were getting close to land; the views from the temple are similarly stunning.

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The Temple of Poseidon is located on the southernmost point of the Greek mainland which is Cape Sounion. From your vantage position at the Temple of Poseidon, take in tranquil views of the Aegean Sea. You will have a lifelong memory thanks to the amazing sunset views.

The Olympian God of the Sea, Poseidon, is the subject of the Temple of Poseidon. Along with the Parthenon and the temple of Aphaia on Aegina Island, it makes up the Sacred Triangle of antiquity. The Temple of Poseidon, which is perched on a rock, offers sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.

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The best way to reach the Temple of Poseidon is by bus as there are several bus routes operating from Athens. You can also travel by car for comfort but the final section from the highway to Cape Sounion can be difficult and can be difficult to drive by.

Yes, the Temple of Poseidon is worth visiting. In fact everybody interested in Greek history who travels to Athens must see the Temple of Poseidon. One of the most significant structures from the Golden Age of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon is devoted to the Greek god of the Sea, Poseidon, as its name suggests.

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Plan Your Visit To Temple of Poseidon