Discover Where the Greek Gods and Goddesses Called Home
Discover Where the Greek Gods and Goddesses Called Home
The Greek gods and goddesses were worshipped and celebrated all over Greece and the Mediterranean. Their ruined temples — some more excavated and interesting than others — can be found everywhere, from the heart of Greece’s greatest cities to the middle of a vineyard to the bottom of a gorge or the edge of a cliff.
Seeking out the best temples can add an element of fun detective work to your Greek vacation. Perhaps it’s not exactly like a Hollywood tour of celebrities’ homes, but visiting the temples of the Greek gods and goddesses can be truly fascinating. Here’s a quick guide to the homes of the ‘stars’ of Greek mythology.
Apollo at Delphi
Address:
Delphi 330 54, Delfi 330 54, Greece
The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was probably the most important international shrine of the ancient world. The Temple of Apollo at Delphi is situated about halfway up the sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Initially, visitors might be disappointed by what looks like six columns and a platform of dressed stones, cut through with steps and passages that remain off-limits.
However, pause to enjoy the breathtaking view. Like all celebrities, Apollo chose the best vistas for himself. Below the temple, the Valley of Phocis reveals a lush river of millions of olive trees cascading from the mountains to the sea. It’s believed that those consulting the god had to undertake a strenuous climb all the way up from the sea before visiting his Oracle.
Apollo communicated through the voice of the Pythia — the Delphic Oracle — shaping the fate of the ancient world. Kings, ambassadors, military leaders, and both friends and enemies from across the known world assembled to seek advice from the mysterious oracle. The site served as a neutral ground, akin to Geneva or The Hague, where traditionally warring parties could convene to negotiate, worship, and compete in games.
The Temple’s connection to Apollo can be traced back to approximately 800 B.C., suggesting the oracle itself may date as far back as 1400 B.C., during the semi-mythological Mycenaean era (think Helen of Troy and Odysseus).
Aphrodite
Address:
Athens 105 55, Greece
Phone: +30 21 0321 0185
Aphrodite’s associations as the goddess of love and beauty might explain the scarcity of her temple evidence. Historical accounts suggest that her temples served as centers of holy prostitution. Notably, her name gives rise to the term aphrodisiac, correlating deeply with her worship at an archaeological site known as Aphrodisias, situated in modern-day Turkey.
This closeness to sexuality could also explain the destruction of many sites dedicated to her by later, more conservative societies. There’s a small site linked to the goddess in Figaleia, located in the Western Peloponnese, about 50 miles northwest of Kalamata. The area, remote and challenging to reach, is situated atop a mountain at about 1,200 meters above sea level. It also features an essential temple dedicated to Apollo and a smaller site for Artemis.
For a more accessible option, consider visiting the remnants of a shrine to Aphrodite in the northwest corner of the Ancient Agora of Athens, conveniently near the Temple of Hephaestus, her husband.
Artemis
The primary Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, now within Turkey, underwent numerous reconstructions, ultimately becoming one of the wonders of the ancient world. Unfortunately, if you are visiting Greece to seek it out, note that the temple is not only no longer in Greece but also no longer standing.
However, another significant site exists in Brauron, approximately 27 miles southeast of Athens. This site boasts the remains of the Sanctuary of Brauronian Artemis, one of Greece’s most ancient and significant locations. It was here where the bodies of Agamemnon’s children, Orestes and Iphigenia, were brought upon the goddess’s orders. The site features not only the temple but also an arcade of Doric columns and a “porous” bridge that permitted access to the sanctuary over a sacred spring.
How to Visit:
The site is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a small museum staffed with knowledgeable English-speaking personnel. Portions of the site date back to the 8th century B.C., so visitors can find artifacts from Greece’s Archaic period. It can be challenging to reach via a combination of the Athens Metro and local buses; hence, many prefer to drive or take a guided tour. A half-day tour of the Attica countryside, which includes a visit to Brauron, is available through various tour services.
Athena
Address:
Athens 105 58, Greece
Phone: +30 21 0321 4172
The gods of ancient Greece were competitive beings schooled in rivalry over lovers, followers, and territories, often engaging in disputes without reason. Ultimately, it seems Athena, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom, victory, and maidens, daughter of Zeus, had the last laugh. The patron of Athens, the most critical city-state of ancient Greece, continues to oversee one of the world’s greatest cities from her elevated position on the Acropolis.
In truth, all temples on the Acropolis are dedicated to Athena in some capacity. The largest, most well-known temple is the Parthenon, hailed for its architectural perfection (albeit not in its current condition). It honors Athena Parthenos, the patroness of maidens, and was constructed in the mid-fifth century B.C. during the zenith of Athenian power. Additionally, there is the smaller yet exquisite Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to her as the goddess of victory, located next to the Propylaia, the ceremonial entrance to the Acropolis; this temple marks the emergence of the Ionic order on the Acropolis and was erected roughly twenty years later. The Erechtheion is another notable temple, honoring both Poseidon and Athena Polias — Athena as the guardian of Athens — possibly replacing an earlier temple destroyed during wartime conflicts with the Persians. The Erechtheion is famously known for its Caryatids, sculpted female figures that support part of the structure on their heads.
How to Visit:
All three temples are included in the admission ticket for the Acropolis. Approach the entrance via Dionyssiou Areopagitou, a broad pedestrian avenue weaving through the pines and archaeological sites of the Acropolis’s southern slope. The site opens at 8:30 a.m., featuring a ticket kiosk, gift shop, and restrooms along the ascent. Multi-day tickets are available for all monuments on the Acropolis, including the Ancient Agora and other archaeological locations.
Hephaestus
Address:
Stirieon 3, Athina 118 51, Greece
Hephaestus, the god of the forge, crafts, and fire, was considered the blacksmith of the gods and patron of Greek forges. Described as swarthy, lame, and possibly hunchbacked, he was the offspring of Zeus and Hera. His mother, finding him unattractive, cast him into the sea. Fortunately, he was rescued by a sea nymph named Thetis who cared for him. Even more fortunate was his marriage to the illustrious Aphrodite, despite her infidelities.
The temple dedicated to Hephaestus is located beneath the Acropolis, on the northwest perimeter of the Ancient Agora of Athens. It stands as the best-preserved Doric temple globally, constructed contemporaneously with the Parthenon. For much of the Middle Ages, it was repurposed as a Greek Orthodox church, a factor contributing to its excellent state of preservation.
How to Visit:
The Ancient Agora of Athens can be accessed by a pathway winding down the Acropolis Hill. The Temple of Hephaestus, or Theseion, is among the most notable monuments and easily recognizable. While access to the interior is prohibited, guests can approach closely enough to peer between the columns, gaining insight into the worship practices that occurred there. The temple also offers impressive views of the Agora, and on sunny days — which are common in Athens — it provides excellent photo opportunities.
Poseidon
Address:
Lavreotiki 195 00, Greece
Phone: +30 2292 039363
When Poseidon isn’t emerging from the sea atop a wave, trident raised high, he is typically associated with elevated sea cliffs that offer a daunting view of his vast maritime kingdom. Cape Sounion, an easily accessible day trip from Athens, fits this description perfectly. The ruins of Poseidon’s temple, distinguished by tall Doric columns, create a dramatic scene complemented by a stunning view of the Aegean Sea from this southernmost point of Attica. Even those who’ve grown accustomed to ancient wonders make the journey to Sounion for the breathtaking sunsets.
This location was notably significant for Athenians, as the lookout at Cape Sounion controlled access to both the Athenian port of Piraeus and the silver mines of the Lavrion Peninsula, which contributed to Athens’s wealth. The existing temple was constructed during the 5th century B.C., coinciding with the Hellenic Golden Age under Pericles. Beneath it lie the remains of an earlier temple from the Mycenaean or Minoan periods.
How to Visit:
Peak visiting hours at Cape Sounion occur during sunset; in favorable weather, many locals travel to this romantic site. The journey spans approximately 43 miles from Athens, taking about an hour and a half predominantly via the motorway. Moreover, it’s straightforward to arrange day trips through various Athens travel agencies, particularly around Syntagma Square, that include Cape Sounion alongside other attractions. A beach and resort hotel lies beneath and west of the monument, providing visitors the opportunity to catch sunrises from this spectacular vantage point. Admission to the archaeological site is €8 or €4 for students, seniors, and other applicable discounts. The site opens from 9 a.m. (9:30 a.m. in winter) until sunset.
Zeus
Zeus, heralded as the king of the gods and father of the gods, had a reputation for fathering numerous deities. When available (and when navigating the concerns of his envious wife, Hera), he would preside over the pantheon from his lofty seat on Mount Olympus, wielding thunderbolts against anyone who piqued his annoyance or attracted his attention.
It’s no surprise that temples dedicated to Zeus are scattered throughout Greece. The most accessible site rests in the heart of Athens: the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Situated in a park crisscrossed by bustling Athenian traffic, this temple once held the title of the largest in Greece, and potentially the world. Its immense scale rendered it somewhat embarrassing to the Greeks, as it featured hundreds of columns. Presently, 16 columns remain, 15 upright and one downed column, hinting at its magnificent past.
How to Visit:
This majestic temple is hard to overlook, though the site is entirely fenced off. Entry is permitted solely through the main gate, located roughly 200 meters from the tourist bus stop by Hadrian’s Gate on Leof. Andrea Siggrou, positioned on the western side of the park. The site is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with typical holiday closures. Admission costs €8 (or €4 for concessions). While the entry fee may seem steep for such limited remains, the ticket package includes a five-day pass that covers the Acropolis and various other Athens sites.
