Visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Greece
Cape
Sounion is the southernmost tip of the region of Attica, 65 km (40
miles) south-east of Athens. The Temple of Poseidon is dramatically
poised on a 60 meters (200 feet) cliff, with stunning views over the
Aegean Sea and islands beyond.
The temple
was built about 440 BC, to replace an earlier temple that had been
destroyed by the Persians. Numerous archaeological finds on the
promontory prove the area was in use as long ago as 700 BC and the
existence of a sanctuary here was mentioned in the Odyssey. The
classical temple seen today is thought to have been built by the
architect of the Theseum in Athens, and is made of Agrileza marble.
Fifteen columns still remain, standing on an imposing base, but much of
the west side of the temple has been destroyed. The Propylon, or
entrance gate, was added a little later.
Cape Sounion
was fortified in 412 BC, during the Peloponnesian War, with the temple
positioned at the south-eastern end of the fortress. Since 1994, the
Athens Archaeological Society has been excavating the area and has found
part of the central street and the remains of houses. On a small hill to
the north-east of the temple, the remains of the Sanctuary of Athena can
be seen, but it is the Temple of Poseidon that has always drawn visitors
- Lord Byron passed this way and carved his name on one of the stones
here. Today the site is a favorite spot for Athenians and foreigners
alike, who come to watch the glorious sunsets from this classically
beautiful place.
