Embrace the Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon
The Temple of Poseidon, located on the Cape Sounion, about 70 kilometers south of Athens, Greece, is one of the most significant architectural ruins from ancient Greece. Constructed in the 5th century BC, the temple was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Its unique location, perched on a high cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, made it an important navigational landmark. Like other Greek temples, the Temple of Poseidon is rectangular, measuring about 80 meters in length and 60 meters in width, with colonnades on all four sides supported by columns. There were originally 34 marble columns, of which only 13 have been preserved. The columns stand over 6 meters tall and are styled in the Doric order, with capitals that are inverted conical frustums, similar to the Parthenon. The relief decorations on the columns depict the scenes of the battle of the gods, and some of the original reliefs are now housed in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The poet Lord Byron, during his visit to Greece in the 19th century, carved his name on one of the columns (please note that defacing historical monuments is not advisable). The temple's construction began around 440 BC during the time of the Athenian statesman Pericles, following the Persian Wars. The temple symbolizes the Greeks' reverence for Poseidon, who was believed to control the sea, storms, and earthquakes. Equally unmissable is the stunning sunset view here. With the azure Aegean Sea at your feet, a magnificent display of evening clouds above, and distant ships twinkling on the horizon, the scene is breathtaking. Transportation: 🚌 Bus: KTEL operates buses, which take about two hours. Please search for detailed guides as I have not taken this option. 🚘 Self-driving: Alternatively, you can hire a car and navigate directly to the Temple of Poseidon. 🎫 Admission: 10 Euros (no payment is required if you do not ascend). 🕰️ Visiting Time: About 1 hour. ❣️ Tip: The sunset time is generally between 18:00-20:00, varying with the seasons. #TempleOfPoseidon #AthensCarHire #GreeceCarHire
