Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon stands on the southern tip of Cape Sounion in Attica, about 70 kilometres from central Athens, and is one of the best-known classical monuments in Greece. The Doric temple was built around 440 BC from local marble during the Age of Pericles and dedicated to the god of the sea. Of the original 34 outer columns, 15 remain upright today, and the site also includes remains of an earlier temple to Athena, a fortification wall from the Peloponnesian War, and the foundations of a shipyard. The temple sits about 60 metres above the Aegean Sea, and the approach path climbs through the archaeological site to the platform at its base. The poet Lord Byron is said to have carved his name into one of the columns in 1810, and visitors can still see the inscription, though the columns are now fenced off to prevent further damage. A visit takes around two hours including the climb and the walk around the site. The most popular time to come is sunset, when the temple is lit against the sea and day-trip buses from Athens fill the site, so arriving an hour or two early secures a good photo position. Early morning, shortly after opening, is quietest. The cape is exposed, strong winds are common, and shade is limited, so hats, water and sturdy shoes are useful. Admission is charged at the gate, with reduced rates for seniors and free entry for children and students from the EU on certain terms; the site also opens free on selected national days. A small beach in the bay below allows a swim before or after the visit, and there are tavernas at the foot of the hill. Many visitors combine the temple with a drive along the Athens Riviera coast road from Glyfada to Sounion.