It was devoted to Poseidon, the Olympian God of the Sea, and is located at the edge of Cape Sounion at the southern coast of Attica, with a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. Maybe I read that it was there in a Wireless internet is available in public areas and is free of charge. The temple Along with the Parthenon and the temple of Aphaia, on nearby Aegina island, Poseidons mighty monument completes the Sacred Triangle of antiquity. Located on a cliff, it offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. one dedicated to the god of the sea. The journey to Sounion from Athens is an attraction in itself. What I recommend for wine lovers is using George and have him take you for lunch and a tour of Megapanos Winery and stopping at the Sanctuary of Artemis in Vavrona, continue on to Sounion and have a swim to recharge your batteries and then see the temple. Very little is known about this earlier temple, but it is certain that it was a revered landmark, visible from afar as sailors approached or left the safety of the Attica harbors. Temple of Poseidon (Sounion, Greece) Most tourists vacationing in Athens try not to miss the opportunity to take an interesting trip by car, which can be rented quite easily in Greece, or by sightseeing bus, to the legendary Cape Sounion. Temple of Poseidon in Sounion - Ancient Greece There are hundreds of myths, stories and legends connected with the God of the sea. The bus timetables are seasonally adjusted, and there are fewer routes during the off-season. You can also pick it up on Fileninon Street a block or so from Syntagma Square. It's a Doric style Temple strategically built on top of the cliff of Cape Sounion overlooking the sea, dedicated of course to Sea God Poseidon. Or, maybe, the God of Earthquakes protected the ancient site, because his own temple was there. The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is an easy half-day trip from Athens. straight to Sounion. Although there is no direct evidence for Sounion, Xerxes certainly had the temple of Athena, and everything else on the Acropolis of Athens, razed as punishment for the Athenians' defiance. Things To Know About Greece Before You Go, How To Speak Greek The Greek Alphabet And 20 Useful Greek Words. The parts that did suffer erosion still have remnants of the outline of the art that once covered the surface. The Akroyiali is right Im assuming you are referring to this post? You can click here for Bus Schedules, For those arriving on cruise ships in Pireaus just go to the main road that rings the harbor (Akti Maouli) and walk to your right and you will see bus stops for the E1(Express) and A1 buses to Voula. Sometimes you will have a tour guide who will show you around the Poseidon temple. The Temple of Poseidon is an ancient Greek temple on Cape Sounion, Greece, dedicated to the god Poseidon. the beach and swim, have a drink and mezedes A Complete List of the Best Hotels in Plaka, The best budget Hotels in the center of Athens, The top five best beach hotels and villas in Athens Riviera. rates and booking information The choice of location was however also often influenced by practical considerations. Theres also a cafe where you can have a coffee or drink. The Temple of Poseidon is almost 2500 years old, having been constructed between 444 and 440 BC. "@type": "Answer", Fantasy Travel'sHalf Day trip to Sounion, For more photos, hotels in Greece by location, price, whether or not it has a swimming pool, and see photos and reviews by using this link to booking.com which also contributes to my website when you book. Taxi drivers say the upper taverna, called Eliasis better and I have to agree. This Doric temple was erected during the Golden Age of Pericles. It is perched above the sea at a height of almost 70 m. The design of the temple is a typical hexastyle i.e. One of the Doric columns is on display at the British Museum in England. Sailors and mariners believed that storms resulted from Poseidons wrath, and the temple served as a palace where they hoped to appease Poseidon and find favor. have sprung up out of nowhere. It isn't the first temple to occupy the site and isn't unique in the area. 9. It's a Doric style Temple strategically built on top of the cliff of Cape Sounion overlooking the sea, dedicated of course to Sea God Poseidon. ), and cafes by the sea. towns and settlements, mostly in bays, harbors Cape Sounio is surrounded by steep rocks, offering spectacular views to the Aegean Sea. "mainEntity": [{ { We also knit apparel, throws, and other products onsite. sea and trying to reach the water. Like many other gods, Poseidon was particularly fertile. [8], At the temple of Poseidon at Sounion, there are many remnants of pottery and handmade ceramics. Phone +30 2292 039363. But the closer Photos this week: June 29-July 6, 2023 | CNN Have you found it entertaining as well as useful? A crowning feature of the tour Cape Sounion is, the Temple of Poseidon, god of the sea. This can be attributed to the fact that Ancient Greeks were excellent engineers. World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada.. We care about our planet! Built in the 5th century BC, the temple is in the typical Greek hexastyle - featuring six doric columns on the front portico. Pin by ziou on AIRBRUSH in 2023 | Poseidon greece, Greece - Pinterest I am a travel agent over 25 years and I dont encounter many like her. It would have contained, at one end facing the entrance, the cult image, a colossal, ceiling-height (6 metres (20ft)) bronze statue of Poseidon. Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece. There is click here, Aegeon Beach Hotel is situated in one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, at Cape Sounio, right on the seashore below the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most famous archaeological sites in all of Greece. Angela O'Brien on Twitter: " A view of the 5th century BCE temple of [16] The British Museum preserves another one which is probably the seventh..[17]. There are three ways to visit the Poseidon temple: by public transportation, rental car, or an organized tour / taxi / private transfer. "[6], The Greeks often chose temple locations that were physically related to or suggestive of the deity honored in the temples. Cape Sounio, Sounio 195 00, Greece. The newer temple closely follows the size and plan of the more ancient one. Temple of Poseidon is a remarkable site set on a southernmost tip of Attica peninsula. There are three ways to get to the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. The best food may be in nearby Lavrion at one of the ouzeri-mezedopoulions in or near the fish market so if you are with a driver or have a rental car, or your own car take the 20 minute journey there. There are many materials that went into the construction of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Itwas built before the mid-5th cBCon the rocky slopes of the coastal Velatouri hill. Given the similariteis of the Temple of Poseidon to the Hephaisteion and the temple of Nemesis in Rhamnous, many historians have concluded that they were designed by the same architect. Located at Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon is one of the most important monuments from the Golden Age of Athens. Afternoon Tour Driving along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and countless coves, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. Two cult centers dedicated to Athena and Poseidon respectively are believed to have been established by 700 BC. Poseidon was one of the Gods of Mount Olympus, and the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Afternoon Tour Driving along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and countless coves, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. If you have your own transportation, there are many beaches nearby where you can go for a swim. Finally, Poseidon was a fan of horses and horse races. THE 10 BEST United States Tramways (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor 440 B.C., over the ruins of a temple dating from the Archaic Period. What is the Temple of Poseidon famous for? It has a free entrance and it is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the Aegean sea views and the Makronisos island just across from the theatre. Eric Larkin Real Broker, LLC. There is evidence of the establishment of sanctuaries on the cape from as early as the 11th century BC Sounion's most prominent temples, the Temple of Athena and the Temple of Poseidon, are however not believed to have been built until about 700 BC, and their kouroi date from about one . Posted Mon 3 Jul 2023 at 10:57pm. Till next time, Evgenia. the bus to the end (Terma Epivasis)and on the coastal road look for bus stop signs for the KTEL bus to Sounion. The Enigmatic Tool from the Sanctuary of Poseidon at Sounion New Evidence. Metallurgy in Numismatics, The Royal Numismatic Society, Special publication No. Frommers says to come to Sounion in the morning and avoid the crowds but I may have to "name": "Can you swim at the Temple of Poseidon? out of Athens. He is always depicted as a serious-looking, bearded man holding his powerful weapon, the trident. Up next I am going to tell you how to get there and all about the best things to do at Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon! the grilled lamb and pork capital of Athens Some people might spot the name Byron, which is carved on one of the columns, a sign that Lord Byron was here. The temple is located approximately 200 meters above sea level on the edge of a rocky cliff offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea during sunset. It is rectangular in shape and has a frieze that depicts the tale of Theseus and the Battle of Centaurs. 13.06 by 30.20 metres (42.8ft 99.1ft)). Remains of the older temple, dating from the archaic period, are not visible. Free parking is available outside the site. They were carved in white marble from Paros. Notable remnants found at the temple are three plaques that each depict different images. A view of the 5th century BCE temple of Poseidon (taken from Naos Cafe Restaurant), Cape Sounion, Attica, Greece. Built between 444 and 440 BC, the temple was constructed of . The temple is built on the highest point of the hill. it stop for dinner on the way home in Vari, rocks from the temple perched high above the We found the Akroyiali, recommended by George the Famous Taxi Driver as the one most likely to have by using natural distracted and the temple could hold our Of his most significant findings, Drpfeld uncovered the remnants of a previous Archaic limestone temple beneath the modern Temple of Poseidon. Consisting of twenty four copper based artifacts found not too far from the Laurion mines, it is very possible that several of these objects were produced locally. Artifacts uncovered include the marble kouros statue, popularly known as the Sounion Kouros, dating to 590 BC, and the self crowning athlete dating back to 460 BC. Its placement at the foot of Attica allowed it to function as a border deme as it could easily been seen by ships nearing Attica. TraveltheGreekWay.com also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. The Temple of Poseidon is located at Cape Sounion at the southern tip of mainland Greece. So who was Poseidon, and why was he so important in Ancient Greece? The best way to purchase your tickets for Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounio is to book your tickets online and enjoy amazing deals and discounts. You will then need to enter the site, pick up your ticket, and go up the hill to get to the imposing temple. Cape Sounion, Sounion - Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide You can 16 out of the original 38 columns are still standing today, and they were 20 feet tall. it and even read the graffiti carved on the Evgenia and her team are amazing. Museum. little beach with two tavernas. Some Athenians have built their At least two thirds of those found are chariot groups and horses with and without a rider. Its layout, thought to have been created by Iktinos, was designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment, with 16 Doric columns and a large front portico. Temple of Poseidon : An Athenian Temple Dedicated To The God Of Sea. [13] What makes the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion so interesting is that it was built on top of another old temple. Out of the 34 original marble columns, 15 are still standing. It has a sanctuary (hieron) of Poseidon, the most notable of those in that part of the world, and also a noteworthy settlement. The construction is believed to have reached to geison-level, and possibly have been partially roofed with just the wooden structure. The ancient site at Cape Sounion is one of my favourites in Greece, not just because of the temple, but also because of the incredible views. A 3-minute drive gets you to a hill where you can hike to two domed Mycenean Tombs. "@type": "Question", Another plaque has an image of a piece of clothing called a chiton that was used by both men and women during that time period. the air so rather then having their tables in For more photos, droves. Erected during the Golden Age of Pericles, The Temple of Poseidon is devoted to the Olympian God of Sea, Poseidon. first as they returned and even now when I The easiest way to reach the attraction is by bus since numerous bus services are operating from Athens. Or maybe I would If I were to do it again I think I would skip Temple of Poseidon, Sounion, Greece (with Map & Photos) - Tourcounsel Sounion - Wikipedia Temple of Poseidon is a remarkable site set on a southernmost tip of Attica peninsula. If you enjoyed this article, have a look at these other ones: Hi! The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, Greece - YouTube The temple of Hephaestus in Athens is of similar architecture to the temple of Poseidon, from which many Doric columns and other parts are preserved. The temple offers an insight into Athenian culture, mythology, and traditions. A. The Temple of Poseidon was constructed between 444 and 440 BC, with 38 columns that rose 20 feet into the air. Their overall dimensions are difficult to determine given the overlap between modern limestone and ancient marble. A. "name": "Where is Poseidon's temple located? It also housed a 20 feet tall bronze statue of Poseidon in the hall of worship. visiting their villages it would be an easy It was strategically built so that Athenians have control over the sea and most importantly over the silver mines next door to Lavrio Port. Temple of Poseidon is a remarkable site set on a southernmost tip of Attica peninsula. of Poseidon at Sounion is the best half-day Temple of Poseidon in Sounion - The University of Warwick Also theyhave moved the terminal from Pedion Areos to the Krimastirion Metro Station on the Blue line. You can find Will be staying for 3 nights. marinated fresh anchovies and I celebrated my The room also housed a 5-meter tall bronze statue of Poseidon. The trail through the National Park of Sounion: The trail starts at the Temple of Poseidon, at a small dirt road left of the main road that connects the Temple with the Sounion village, and ends in Agios Konstantinos village some 12,5 km. Grecotel Cape Sounio strikes a delicate balance with the environment "text":"The Temple of Poseidon is built up on a hill. In my experience having driven this road dozens of times, there are always people speeding or driving in the middle of the road. information on Vari on my port are just 10 minutes drive. to buy bathroom appliances for her new house The Temple originally had 38 Doric columns, of which 16 are estanding today. Many locals say that Marida is the best seafood on the coast of Attika. The temple of Poseidon was a peripteral building of the Doric order, made of marble from nearby Agrileza, with six columns at its ends and thirteen on each long side for a total of 34--of which thirteen survive today. Anavassos, famous for its seaside fish separate what I had seen from what I had read The setting becomes breathtaking in the moonlight and is the perfect backdrop for a business reception or an unforgettable wedding. Mary sailed into the bay you might have had [3].mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}373901N 240128E / 37.6502N 24.02455E / 37.6502; 24.02455, Approximately 13 kilometres (8.1mi) south of Thorikos in the southern most region of Attica, the deme of Sounion is most well known for its sanctuaries of Poseidon and Athena. Poseidon: The Almighty Greek God of the Sea - GreekReporter.com [8], Executed between 1897 and 1915, Valerios Stais excavations of the Temple of Poseidon and the Temple of Athena at Sounion were, and continue to remain, the most elaborate and thorough excavations of these sites. Who is the Temple of Poseidon dedicated to? the food was good though in late December the That is why I was kind of embarrassed when I realized I had not been there since I was dragged there by my high school ancient history teacher, the now famous Nikos Stavrolakis founder of the Jewish Museum of Athens. Coupled with the ongoing conflict of Athens with the islanders of Aegina was the threat to Athens from the Boeotians and Chalkidians in 506/5 BC. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At Cape Sounion, 70km south of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon stands on a craggy spur that plunges 65m to the sea. ", The votives served as an offering to the god to whom the temple was dedicated. The marble used on the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion came from the marble quarries, a place where marble is removed from the earth, in the Agrileza mines. [9], Secured by its own peribolos (court enclosed by a wall), propylaea (gateway), and two stoas (covered walkways or porticos), the construction of the ancient Temple of Poseidon around 490 BC was likely a large investment made by the state of Athens. If the Queen History Sounion Kouros (c. 600 BC), National Archaeological Museum of Athens View of the Temple of Poseidon in the sunset. According to the myth, this is the site where Aegeus, king of Athens, fell into the sea because of a misunderstanding. wall facing the sea being clear plastic. to Poseidon. [15], Currently there are five known column drums of the temple located in England. The site was cited as holy ground by Herodotus and Homer, with inhibition of the area dating back to 2800 BC. For more photos, rates and booking information The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion Athens: Cape Sounion is found about 70 km to the south-east of Athens, on the southernmost tip of Attica peninsula. Pegasus, the flying horse, was the offspring of Poseidon and Medusa. Among Greeks, Poseidon was known as the God of the Sea, and was responsible for the fates of sailors. People worshiped the mighty Poseidon all around the Ancient Greek world. I hope I see you soon again to Greece , Your email address will not be published. Temple of Poseidon at Sounion - World History Encyclopedia [14] The classical period dates from 480-323 BCE. If you are staying centrally in Athens, the best way to visit Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is by car through the stunning Athens Riviera. Many of his temples survive, not only close to the coast, but also up on the mountains, close to lakes and rivers. It is believed that the King of Athens, Aegeus killed himself here by jumping off the cliff. Sounion, sometimes called just Sounio, is a cape located 48 . Yes, the Temple of Poseidon is a must-visit for anyone visiting Athens and interested in Greek history. Entrance is free on certain days: For more information, have a look at this guide on how to visit the ancient sites in Greece for free. Many people prefer to visit the ancient site during the evening, when the sun sets behind the temple and illuminates it in a beautiful orange hue. The temple was first excavated in 1884 by Wilhelm Doprfeld, who was director of the German Archaeological Institute. With many Athenians out of the city Also there are a number of excellent fish tavernas in the town of Anavissos, on the way to Sounion. even older temple. All 44 rooms enjoy a superb sea view with a private balcony to marvel at the world known sunset. Inside the bothros were a variety of offerings including scarabs and seals, terracotta relief plaques, pottery, and faience figurines, the majority of which could be date to the late eighth to the early fifth centuries BC. "text": "There are three ways to get to the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. Watch us do everything from washing the wool to spinning and dyeing yarn. just stay and have dinner there or in Lavrion. It forms the Sacred Triangle of antiquity along with the Parthenon and the temple of Aphaia on Aegina Island. escape from the city with a glass of ouzo. Lavrion is also one of the three Athens ports with ferry boats going to the Cyclades islands such as Andros or Paros. The temple's stylobate is 31.1 x 13.4 meters. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. However C$565.08. *Some of the links below are affiliate links. journey, despite the beautiful weather that If you're visiting Athens, it's absolutely worth making a trip down to Sounion to see the temple up close, and enjoy the fantastic sea views." See George the Famous Taxi Driver, The hotel rises against a gentle slope, overlooking a tranquil cove, at the foot of a dramatic cliff, capped by the Temple of Poseidon. Between 508/7 and 480/79 BC Athens is believed to have supported the founding and expansion of several sanctuaries in Attica, including those at Rhamnous, Mounychia in Piraeus, and Eleusis. "acceptedAnswer": { If you come here in the spring, summer and fall and on winter weekends when it is unseasonably warm you will find it a lot more festive and lots of choices in fish, and the plastic will be rolled up and you really know you are sitting above the sea. per group (up to 3) The adventure of Athens best and Poseidon's temple in cape Sounion. Browse Getty Images' premium collection of high-quality, authentic Temple Of Poseidon At Sounion stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Or you could take the inland route, which is not very picturesque but its much smoother to drive. Book your ferry transfer with FerryScanner. It is hard to imagine a more perfect Young Theseus, however, had won the battle but had forgotten to replace the black sail of the ship with white ones, leading to the Kings death. A one way ticket costs about 6.5 euro. A. The sanctuary is closed on March 25 in celebration of Greek Independence Day. If you keep walking you will come to the terminal which you may want to do since you will need to buy bus tickets. As the first Athenian landmark that can be seen from the Aegean Sea, it was cited as holy grounds by Herodotus and Homer. A homonymous temple is located in Tainaron. trip you can do out of Athens. Supermoon rises over Ancient Greek temple. You will be mesmerised by the blankets of blues, reds and oranges . that are consistent with today's temple. 16 out of the original 38 . have a really good arm to do it and be in the Fountains on an open terrace separate the lounge from the lavish bar. [8] The marble is an Agrileza marble. Is the Temple of Poseidon worth a visit? The sand, the sea, and the absolutely Mediterranean landscape look so much like a Greek island. Best Things to Do in Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, Travel to Cape Sounion through Athens Riviera, Wander Cape Sounion and The Temple of Poseidon, Explore the Rest of Cape Sounion Archaeological Site, Swim and Taste Fresh Fish across the Temple of Poseidon, Walk around the Ancient Theatre of Thorikos, How to get to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, How to Get to Athens Port (Piraeus) from Athens Airport, Check availability and prices on Viator here, YouTube video of hiking in Lavrion and Thoriko, Athens Metro Website (timetables and tickets info), Vravrona Athens Guide: Best 8 Sites to Visit, An Athenians Guide to the Best Plaka Athens Hotels, 15 Best Luxury Resorts in Greece for 2023, Remnants of the ancient town, the fortress of the archaeological site, a wide street, and a few house foundations that can be deciphered, The few remains of the Temple of Athena Souniada (500 m northeast of the Temple of Poseidon), April 1st October 31st: 10 euro , open 9.30-sunset, November 1st to March 31st: 5 euro, open 9.30-sunset, Closed at Easter, 1st January, 25 March, 1st May, Christmas, 26th December, Ancient Silver Mines, Processing Workshops, and Washeries. summer and weekend homes out here and villages So if you can afford a cruise but can't afford a taxi, my advice is to make friends on the ship and share a taxi with your new pals and split the cost. Aegeon Beach is built to blend with the natural environment with sober lines and earth colours. Due to its strategic point, it also served as a watchtower, guarding the passage to Piraeus and the rich surrounding silver mines. }, { When should I visit the Temple of Poseidon? However, it was destroyed in 480 BC by the Persians during the Greco-Persian Wars. According to archaeological evidence, the wider area of Cape Sounion had been considered sacred since the Bronze Age. Sounion: Visiting the Temple of Poseidon from Athens You hike and you swim and then you hike a bit more and then you swimHow much fun is that? What Best to Do in Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon This was during the ascendancy of the Athenian statesman Pericles, who also rebuilt the Parthenon in Athens. In his memory, we have the Aegean sea. Temple of Poseidon Sounio, a day trip from Athens "@context": "https://schema.org", A. There are some toilets here if you need them, and note that there arent any inside the ancient site. The Ancient Theatre of Thorikos is the oldest stone-built theatre in the Ancient World. ", It is the ideal place for those who wish to combine luxurious living with a peaceful and quiet stay, far from the turmoil of the city. at the taverna on the beach and wait for the Temple of Poseidon (Sounio) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) The town of Lavrion with its fish tavernas and The sea is clean here and the hotel controls about 90% of the beach. In fact, your best best would be to call and ask. Considered to be one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens, the temple was often visited by sailors praying for safe passage . you have Silicon Valley. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Many Days In Santorini Do You Really Need? Temple of Poseidon, Sounion - Wikiwand Ancient Athens Combined Ticket For The Archaeological Sites Of Athens, Ancient Athens for free A walking route through the historic centre, Street art in Athens Bright colours and political opinions, Tips For Staying Cool In The Summer In Athens, Top 10 Tips For Visiting Greece In Summer 2023, Our favourite beaches in Greece Popular beaches and hidden gems, Religion in Greece Churches, Greek Easter and Christian names, Greek Easter Traditions Greek Orthodox Easter Food and Customs. Archaeologists have found that the Archaic temple may have had at least its walls up before it was destroyed.