TEMPLE OF POSEIDON
A SUNSET WORTH SEEING!!!
The temple of Poseidon is built in the southernmost point o of Attica, on the peak of the rocky hill in the Aegean Sea, at Cape Sounion. According to mythology, this amazing area of the Attica land was where Aegeus committed suicide, the beloved king of Athens, and as a result of that, the Athenians named the surrounding area of Attica the “Aegean Sea”. When Aegeus saw the black sails of the Athenian ship returning from Knossos, he thought that his son, Theseus, had died. Theseus is considered to be one of the most popular characters of the Mythology. For the Athenians, he was a brave young man, who saved the city of Athens, since he managed to reach Knossos to face, and finally defeat Minotaur.
The temple was dedicated to Poseidon, the god of sea, and was built twice. The first temple was much bigger and had to Colossal Kouros. In the beginning of the 5th century it was destroyed by the Persian raids. When the Persian wars ended, Pericles ordered for a new temple, made of marble, to be built. The temple was finished at 440 BC, it’s of Dorian order, and is also innovating for its era, since with the changes in its architecture managed a great capacity. We don’t know anything about the architect, but we assume he is the one who also built the temple of Hephaestus at the Thiseio of Athens, whereas the pillars of the temple are similar to those at the temple of Aphaia in Aegina. The marble used for the temple was from the Agrileza and Paros. Next to the temple of Poseidon, a less known temple was located, dedicated to goddess Athena. Sounion, due to its geographical place, was fortified by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War for the protection of food storages, passing from there. As a matter of fact, this was considered the strongest fort of Attica.
The temple of Poseidon had already been ruined by the Roman Era. During the modern years, parts of the temple were detached and moved to museums or private collections in England, Italy and Germany. The ruins of the temple and parts of the walls of the fort are still saved and are accessible to all visitors. Bas-reliefs from the metopes of the temple that have been preserved from the harsh conditions are kept in the museum of Lavrion, whereas the wider proximity was announced as a National Park for its environmental value. The best places to visit are:
CAPE SOUNION
The view of the sunset from the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and the moment the sunbeams slip through the pillars will be a real thrill, with peace and self-integration This picture will forever be remembered, and the memories from the landscape you outface will be the reason your soul will crave to go back, regardless how many times you’ve been there.
ATHENIAN RIVIERA
Travelling from the Athenian Riviera, the visitor enjoys a rich pallet from the colors of the trees, the flowers and the soil of the Greek countryside, while the blue color of the Aigean Sea keeps you company throughout your trip with some small islands tempting you to discover them. Moreover, you will learn about more destinations in the southern suburbs of Athens, popular when it comes to shopping and entertainment
LAVRION
The Olympian Marina of Lavrion is close to Cape Sounion, a hotspot for sailing and yachting fans. However, the area of Lavrion was known since ancient times for the rich resources it had, mined from the Athenians. Today, the “Technological and Cultural Park of Lavrion” is located where the old factory used to be.
‘MY GREECE TOURS’ organizes tailor-made tours to Cape Sounion for those who are interested in visiting this unique destination. Find out more information on related tours we offer in the area down below.
