Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

Parthenon

Located on top of the Acropolis, Parthenon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece. A visit to Athens is not complete without visiting this temple. Parthenon’s construction started in 447 BC, replacing an older temple destroyed by the Persians. There was a massive statue of Athena Parthenos made from ivory, silver, and gold but got stolen by one of the Roman Emperors. During its long life, the Parthenon also served as a fortress, a church, a mosque, and a powder magazine.

Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Though only a few columns remain of the Temple of Olympia Zeus in Athens, it does not take much imagination to realize that this was one gigantic temple. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants. They envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world. However, it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, about 600 years after the project had begun.

Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

Temple of Poseidon

A 2500-year-old temple overlooking the Aegean Sea. It was devoted to Poseidon, the Olympian God of the Sea. The temple is located at the edge of Cape Sounion at the southern coast of Attica, with a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea.Only some columns of the Temple of Poseidon stand today but intact, it would have closely resembled the Temple of Hephaestus beneath the Acropolis.

Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

 

Erechtheum

The Erechtheum is an ancient Greek temple of Ionic style on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens. The temple was built between 421 and 407 BC. Its name is derived from a shrine dedicated to the Greek hero Erichthonius. The temple is probably most famous for its distinctive porch supported by six female figures known as the Caryatids.

Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

Temple of Apollo Epicurius

Located on a remote mountainside in the Peloponnese, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae is a well-preserved and unusual Greek temple. It was built somewhere between 450 and 400 BC. It is described as unusual because all three classical orders were used in its construction. Doric columns form the peristyle, Ionic columns support the porch, and Corinthian columns feature the interior. The temple of Apollo Epicurius is presently covered in a tent to protect the ruins from the elements.

Most Famous Greek Temples to Visit

Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved Greek temple in the world. The temple was built in the 5th century BC in the Agora district, which contained many foundries and metalwork shops. It was therefore dedicated to Hephaestos, the god of metalworking.