10 Most Famous Greek Temples

David

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In ancient Greece, temples took center stage as the most significant and prevalent architectural structures. Stone temples emerged in the early 6th century BC, and their numbers multiplied extensively in the following century.

Typically, Greek temples were constructed with the purpose of providing a home to a cult statue or symbol. Worship did not necessarily demand congregating inside the temple; rather, these structures primarily served as majestic tributes to the gods.

One of the standout features of Greek temples lies in their colossal columns. These columns were crafted in three distinct styles: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders.

Now, let’s explore some of the renowned Greek temples that can be found scattered across the Mediterranean region.

10. Erechtheum

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The Erechtheum, a remarkable Greek temple in the Ionic style, gracefully graces the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens. Constructed between 421 and 407 BC, the temple’s name originates from a shrine honoring the esteemed Greek hero, Erichthonius.

Its claim to fame lies in its magnificent porch adorned with six captivating female figures, affectionately known as the Caryatids.

9. Temple of Olympian Zeus

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Even though only a few columns stand today, it is easy to envision the immense size of the Temple of Olympia Zeus in Athens.

The grand construction began back in the 6th century BC, under the rule of Athenian tyrants who had a vision of creating the most magnificent temple in the ancient world.

However, the project faced prolonged delays, and it was not until the 2nd century AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, that the temple was finally completed.

Remarkably, the construction spanned an astonishing 638 years, showcasing the dedication and perseverance of those involved.

8. Temple of Apollo Epicurius

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The Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae is a unique and remarkably preserved Greek temple. It is situated on a secluded mountainside in the region of Peloponnese. This temple, constructed sometime between 450 and 400 BC, stands out due to its uncommon alignment from the norm.

Unlike most Greek temples that face east-west, this temple faces north-south. What sets it apart even further is that it showcases all three of the classical orders found in ancient Greek architecture.

The peristyle is supported by Doric columns, the porch is held up by Ionic columns, and the interior boasts Corinthian columns. Currently, the temple is carefully protected under a tent to shield it from the elements.

7. Temple of Zeus at Cyrene

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Cyrene, situated in present-day Libya, held significant importance among the five Greek colonies. Standing at an elevated position within the city, the Temple of Zeus, which dates back to the 5th century BC, was a notable feature.

Unfortunately, it faced destruction during a Jewish rebellion in 115 AD. However, the Romans, under the orders of Emperor Hadrian, restored the temple just five years later.

Tragically, an earthquake in 365 AD brought the temple to ruins again, and it remained in that state until modern times when British and Italian archaeologists undertook its reconstruction.

The immense size of this temple surpasses even the Parthenon, serving as evidence of the remarkable wealth and significance of Cyrene in the ancient Greek world.

6. Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

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The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, situated on the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula in Greece, enjoys the company of the sea on three of its sides. Its construction took place around 440 BC, succeeding a temple that belonged to the Archaic Period.

Although only a few columns of the Temple of Poseidon remain standing today, it is believed that its original form closely resembled the Temple of Hephaestus beneath the Acropolis. Some even speculate that both structures were possibly created by the same talented architect.

5. Temple of Hephaestus

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The Temple of Hephaestus, situated around 500 meters northwest of the renowned Acropolis, stands as the most well-preserved Greek temple worldwide. Despite its neighbor’s fame, it remains relatively lesser-known.

Constructed during the 5th century BC, the temple found its place amidst a district bustling with foundries and metalwork shops, and was thus devoted to Hephaestus, the deity of metal craftsmanship.

Ictinus, one of the architects contributing to the design of the Parthenon, was also responsible for the creation of the Temple of Hephaestus.

4. Paestum

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Paestum, a historic Greco-Roman city situated in southern Italy and nearby the coastline, showcases three remarkably intact Greek temples. Among them is the Temple of Hera, constructed approximately in 550 BC by Greek settlers, serving as the oldest temple in Paestum.

Just a century later, another temple dedicated to Hera, the deity associated with marriage and childbirth, was erected in close proximity. Standing further apart is the Temple of Athena, completed around 500 BC.

3. Parthenon

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One cannot consider a trip to Athens complete without visiting the Parthenon, a magnificent temple situated atop the Acropolis and renowned as one of Greece’s most popular tourist attractions.

The construction of the Parthenon commenced in 447 BC after the destruction of its predecessor by the Persians. It reached completion in 432 BC. Originally, the Parthenon was built to accommodate a colossal statue of Athena Parthenos, crafted from silver, gold, and ivory.

Unfortunately, the statue was plundered by a Roman Emperor during the 5th century and transported to Constantinople, where it eventually met its demise.

Throughout its extensive existence, the Parthenon has witnessed a variety of roles, serving as a fortress, a church, a mosque, and even as a storage place for gunpowder.

2. Valley of the Temples

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In Sicily, outside the city of Agrigento, there is a ridge where you can find the Valley of the Temples. This archaeological site is home to seven Greek temples, with one of the most well-preserved being the Temple of Concordia.

Having been built in the 5th century BC, it stands out as a magnificent example of the Doric style and remains one of the largest surviving temples of its kind.

The temple’s grandeur is evident in its 7-meter-tall columns, including the capitals, and their 1.3-meter diameter at the base.

Among the other notable temples in the valley are the Temple of Juno, often used for wedding ceremonies, and the Temple of Heracles, which is the oldest structure on the site, now reduced to only eight columns.

1. Doric Temple of Segesta

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Segesta, situated in the northwestern region of Sicily, served as a prominent city for the Elymian people, who were one of the native communities of Sicily.

The population of Segesta comprised a mixture of Elymian and Greek individuals, but the Elymians were eventually influenced by Greek culture and adopted Greek practices. In close proximity to the ancient site, there exists a well-preserved Doric temple.

Constructed in the late 5th century BC, this temple boasts 6×14 Doric columns. Nevertheless, certain indicators suggest that the temple was never fully completed. The Doric columns lack the typical grooves, known as fluting, and the main chamber appears to lack a roof.

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