If you are a romantic at heart, it will be unforgivable to miss this attraction of Athens! The top of the rocky Cape Sounion is decorated with the columns of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. A wonderful place to watch the sunset! Find out how to get to the Cape and how much it costs to visit the temple.
History of Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Since ancient times, a sanctuary was located at Cape Sounion near Athens, where the Greeks worshiped the formidable god of the oceans. The temple of Poseidon began to be built in the 5th century BC. The beautiful building was not yet complete when it was destroyed by the Persian warriors. What has survived to this day is part of a new temple, which was built in 440 BC.
Archaeologists have found antique statues and decorative ornaments of ancient buildings here. A statue of a man and several small figurines are on display in the Athens Archaeological Museum.
Today, only a stone foundation, 31 m long and 13.5 m wide, remains of the Temple of Poseidon in Greece. The remains of the frieze, architrave and 16 slender Doric columns are no less impressive than the whole building. Old autographs of travelers are visible on the stones, the most remarkable of which was left by Lord Byron.
The former sanctuary of Athena, 500 meters from the Temple of Poseidon, was even less fortunate. Only the foundation, the capital of the column and a small part of the frieze have survived.
Come to Cape Sounion to watch the sunset - it is picturesque and romantic here.
Find out more about the sights of Athens.
Opening hours and ticket price
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is available to tourists from April to October, from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. The entrance costs 4 €.
How to get to Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion is located 65 km from Athens. You can get there by taxi or rented car in just an hour. Regular buses from Egypt Square in Athens reach the destination in 2 hours.
From Athens, the road leads through picturesque coastal areas. For those who are traveling on their own, we advise you to make a stopover. There is a thermal lake in Vouliagmeni, the water in which does not cool below + 23 ° С. Take a dip in the warm healing water and do not forget to make a wish at the ruins of the ancient temple!
Tripster and Sputnik8 - excursions in Athens.
