Ancient temples in Athens

The most beautiful ancient temples in Athens

Undeniably the most famous of ancient Greek temples, the Parthenon, dedicated to goddess Athena and perched on top of the Acropolis in Athens, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Constructed in 447 BC to replace an older temple, the Parthenon was meant to house a spectacular statue of Athena, but the sculpture was looted and brought to Constantinople and destroyed. Since its construction, the temple was used as a fortress, a mosque, and a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Don’t miss the chance to see it the next time you visit the Greek capital.

Known as the largest temple in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, or the Olympeion, was built in the 6th century BC, though it was completed roughly 640 years after in the 2nd century AD, thanks to Emperor Hadrian. During the Roman era, the temple included 104 grand columns, of which 16 still stand today. The temple, located approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) southeast of the Acropolis, is in the center of Athens and is part of an important archaeological site, enclosed by Hadrian’s Gate.

Undeniably one of the top excursions you can take when staying in Athens is a visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio (or Sounion). This Doric-style temple was constructed around 440 BC on the southernmost tip of the Attica region, and it is dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon. In a sea-faring nation like Greece, this temple was one of the most important, and individuals, as well as city-states, would come to bring sacrifices and offerings to call on the god to ask for safe travels

The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum), built between 421 and 407 BC and nestled on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens, is a temple of the Ionic style. Named after a shrine dedicated to Athenian hero Erichthonius, the temple, built by architect Mnesicles, was dedicated to Poseidon Erechtheus and Athena Polias, defender of the city. The temple is one of the most famous thanks to its southern porch, supported by six caryatids, sculpted female figures serving as architectural support.