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Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Name: Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Rating: 2

Recommended by 32 hikers

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Location: East Attica, Greece

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Best Hiking Routes to Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

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1. Sanctuary of Athena at Sounion loop from Legrena

2.47km

00:42

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2. Cape Sounion loop from Legrena

1.39km

00:25

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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RemcoM

October 17, 2021

Archaeological evidence indicates that Sounion was a sacred area as far back as the Bronze Age, but the temple visible in our day was built in the middle of the 5th century BCE (between 444 and 440 BCE). It was part of the ambitious building project initiated by Perikles, which included other renown temples such as the Parthenon and the Hephaisteion. Given the similariteis of the Temple of Poseidon to the Hephaisteion and the temple of Nemesis in Rhamnous, many historians have concluded that they were designed by the same architect. One particularly unifying feature of all three temples is the fact that the columns of the porch were aligned with the third column of the peristyle.

An inscription confirms that the temple was dedicated to Poseidon, and it was built upon the remains of an even earlier poros temple whose foundations are still visible. This Archaic temple was razed by the Persians in 490 BCE when it still under construction. Very little is known about this earlier temple, but it is certain that it was a revered landmark, visible from afar as sailors approached or left the safety of the Attica harbors. The newer temple closely follows the size and plan of the more ancient one.

Peter

March 5, 2023

Kap Sounion (auch Sunion, altgriechisch Άκρον Σούνιον Akron Soúnion, lateinisch Sunium promunturium, venetisch Capo Colonne Kap der Säulen, neugriechisch Ακρωτήριο Σούνιο Akrotirio Sounio oder Κάβο κολώνες Kabo kolones) ist ein Kap an der südlichsten Spitze Attikas. It is known for the ruins of the ancient marble temple of the Meeresgotte Poseidon.

Translated by Google •

Peter

March 5, 2023

The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion was a place where sailors could ask the favor of the sea god for a voyage - in Homer's words:

"Hear me, Poseidaon, earth-girded one! don't discard
Our devout prayer; Fulfill what we desire!”

Translated by Google •

Details

Informations

Distance 470 m

Uphill 10 m

Downhill 20 m

Weather

Tuesday 23 December

19°C

16°C

64 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: East Attica, Greece

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Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

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