Located about an hour’s drive south of Athens, the Doric-style Temple of Poseidon is one of the most beautifully preserved temples of ancient times and tells a story steeped in both history and Greek mythology from its perch atop Cape Sounion as it overlooks the Aegean Sea. This ancient Greek temple stands as a powerful symbol of reverence to the gods of the sea.
From legends behind the monumental temple itself to the best nearby accommodation options and other attractions, this is everything you need to know to fully appreciate the grandeur and influences of the Temple of Poseidon at the Archaeological Site of Sounion.
Visit Temple of Poseidon, Greece: A Brief Guide
- Temple of Poseidon Opening Hours: 9:30 am – sunset
- Temple of Poseidon Ticket Prices: €10 general admission; €5 reduced rate
- Temple of Poseidon Address: Sounion 195 00, Greece
- Nearby Hotels: Poseidon Beach Villas | Sunset at Cape Sounion | Sandra’s Sea View
- Tours: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon afternoon English tour
- Top Sights: Temple of Poseidon | Temple of Athena Sounias | Footpaths
Temple of Poseidon Map
Temple of Poseidon: A Brief History
While the area of Cape Sounion is believed to have served as a sacred area dating as far back as the Bronze Age, the now famous temple that remains can still be found along the site today is much newer. The older temple was likely built during the Archaic period, and the current temple we see today dates back to the 5th century BCE.
Like the Acropolis of Athens and the Hephaestion with the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon dates back to the 5th century BCE and is attributed to the legendary statesman Pericles, who following his triumph in the Persian War, ordered a series of construction projects to advance the spiritual and political development of Athenian society. The temple complex also reflects the architectural elegance typical of this Golden Age of Ancient Greece.
However, even before the construction of the temple, the Cape of Sounion was already famous amongst ancient Greeks, even popping up in numerous stories and mythologies, most famously as the site where Athenian King Aegeus threw himself into the sea, believing his son Theseus had perished against the minotaur.
It again appears in legend through Homer’s Odyssey as the site where Menelaus stopped on his way from Troy to bury his helmsman Phrontes, the archaic temple believed to have been destroyed during the Persian invasion.
Beyond the legendary stories that made the site famous, Cape Sounion also played an important role in the religious and military history of Greece, becoming an important cult sanctuary during the Golden Age of Athens with the construction of the Temple of Athena to accompany that of Poseidon, and later a fortress to protect the harbour during the Peloponnesian War.
Things to See and Do in the Temple of Poseidon
1. The Temple of Poseidon
The ancient Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction along the Cape of Sounion. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, the white marble temple featured a 6×13 column structure at the height of its glory following its construction. According to a ground plan developed from recent excavations and ray imaging, it likely included two main rooms and a large roof supported by iron clamps.
Inside its monumental complex, the temple housed a 20-foot-tall bronze statue of Poseidon, the god of the sea. While the statue and many of the temple’s Doric columns are gone today, it still remains one of the more impressive monuments of the Golden Age of Athens and is a true sight.
A bronze plaque and parts of the plaque remain have been found nearby, shedding more light on the temple’s religious and historical significance. As a temple dedicated to Poseidon, it served as a key point of worship for seafarers seeking divine protection.
2. Temple of Athena Sounias
While not much remains of this smaller Doric temple, the Temenos of Athena Sounia is located a short walk from the Temple of Poseidon, built around the same time as the grander monument, this temple now consists of remnant foundations. Two columns still stand and wild olive trees now grow around the area.
3. Cape Sounion Footpaths
Making up the rest of the Archaeological Site of Sounion are a series of footpaths leading up and down the hillsides to the north and west of the temple. While there isn’t much to see along the routes, there are some ancient ruins of the barracks and walls of the ancient fortress built during the Peloponnesian War. It also offers fantastic views of the Aegean Sea and comparable buildings in the distance.
How to Get to the Temple of Poseidon, Greece?
Set about an hour’s drive from the city, the ruined Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion is easily reached from the city. Several tour buses connect the temple to Athens and leave several times a day. You can also arrange for a private guided tour with an informative guide or drive yourself via the directions below. A rental car is a convenient option for exploring nearby cities and hidden coastal gems.
Driving from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon
You can follow the scenic coastal road for the most picturesque journey. Alternatively, for budget-friendly travel, the KTEL bus departs from central Athens and arrives directly at Sounion.
Where to Stay Near the Temple of Poseidon, Greece?
While the Temple of Poseidon is easily reached from Athens, you can also opt to stay nearby. Poseidon Beach Villas offers welcoming lodging along the small beach directly next to the ancient site, while Sunset at Cape Sounion and Sandra’s Sea View offer a comfortable stay just 5 kilometres down the road.
FAQS About Temple of Poseidon, Greece
Where is the Temple of Poseidon, Greece?
The Temple of Poseidon is located on Cape Sounion at the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula. It is about an hour’s drive from Athens along mainland Greece.
How Much is Admission at the Temple of Poseidon, Greece?
Tickets to the Archaeological Site of Sounion cost €10 for general admission and €5 for reduced rates, which include off-season visits. This price is for access to the site itself and does not include transportation fees, which vary between tours.
How Long Do I Need to Explore the Temple of Poseidon, Greece?
While beautiful to behold, the Archaeological Site of Sounion is not very large. As such, it only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to explore the Temple of Poseidon and surrounding attractions. Some researchers, including those from the Austrian Archaeological Institute and supported by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, continue to study this site for its cultural and architectural importance.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near the Temple of Poseidon, Greece?
If you enjoyed exploring the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, you should also plan a stop at these other ancient sites located nearby.
- Ancient Theatre of Thorikos
- Archaeological Site of Silver Mines at Drymos
- The Acropolis of Athens
- Ancient Agora of Athens
