Its architecture was of innovative design, its iconic marble pillars are an impressive reminder. Get inspired by our top ideas for vacation in Greece. The temple of Poseidon was put up in 440 BC. The Temple of Poseidon was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC at the ancient port of Sounio. Its architecture was of innovative design, its iconic marble pillars are an impressive reminder. It was built to honour Poseidon, God of the sea. Pericles had the temple built on the ruins of another temple dating back to the Archaic period. The Temple of Poseidon was a religious structure, complete with a hall of worship. It is believed that the temple was filled with statues at one time, … The architect is thought to be Ictinus (or Iktinos), who built the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient agora in Athens. Gifts and animal sacrifices were often left at the temple as a way to appease the gods. The Poseidon building’s architecture featured a rectangular shape with four colonnades on each side. 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. By continuing to browse, you agree to the Terms and Conditions. During his ascendancy, the Athenian statesman Pericles established the temple of Poseidon. For prompt information about the timetable and tickets please follow this link: Rent high quality baby & toddler travel gear such as car seats, strollers and baby carriers through, Learning more about Greek mythology and history. If you want to visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio in combination with the other treasures of the Athenian Riviera, we highly recommend the Day in the Athens Riviera Tour. There is a cafe selling snacks just beneath the temple but it is quite touristy and a bit overpriced. According to the famous story of Aegeus, this was the location where he jumped in the sea when he saw black sails on the ship of his son Theseus. Temple of Poseidon, Sounion. Built between 444 and 440 BC, the temple was constructed of marble from the valley of Agrilesa, about four kilometers north of the Sounio Cape. WE DO TOO! Do you hate spam? It is best to visit early in the morning or before sunset, Pack water, juice and sandwiches. Next to the temple of Poseidon, you can find the ruins of the lesser-known temple of Athena, the old walls and the ruins of ancient settlements. / 37.6502; 24.02455. For more information on how we collect, store, and use your information, please read our privacy policy. The location is also linked to Greek mythology. Travel suggestions and tips, new hot spots for your family to explore, and of course, a taste of Greece because we want your whole family to come to visit Greece SOON! There is not much shade at the site. The Doric colums are about 20 feet tall and three feet in diameter, with the unusual number of 16 flutes instead of the usual … The Temple of Poseidon was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC at the ancient port of Sounio. Cape Sounio, the Temple of Poseidon and its fortifications are about an hour and a half away from the centre of Athens. Large groups of tourists gather at the Temple of Poseidon each night at sunset to view the amazing colors as the sun fades into the horizon. Theseus had gone to Knossos to fight the Minotaur and Aegeus thought he had not survived. Do not miss the sunset from the temple overlooking the endless blue. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. You will be mesmerized by the reds and oranges that engulf the temple as the sun descends into the sea. Discover our blog full of ideas, insights about Greek destinations, reviews for kid friendly activities, hotels, beaches, museums and so much more! For this reason, the Greek sea was called Aegean Sea. At the end of the Attica peninsula at the southernmost point called Cape Sounio, lies the ancient Temple of Poseidon. A Doric temple, it overlooks the sea at the end of Cape Sounion, at a height of almost 60 metres (200 ft). Four of the north columns were reconstructed in the late 1950's. Temple of Poseidon General Facts. That’s why we promise to never abuse your email and to only deliver the best of Kids Love Greece straight to your inbox ONCE A MONTH. It was built to honour Poseidon, God of the sea. The ancient Greek temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, built during 444–440 BC, is one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens. The Temple of Poseidon and its monuments is one of the most important archaeological sites in Athens. He built the 16 columns at the Temple of Poseidon in a way that ensured they would stand the test of time and resist the harshness of the …