Where Myths Meet the Aegean Sea
At the southernmost tip of Attica, where the sky meets the sea, the temple of Poseidon stands proudly. Perched on the sheer cliffs of the promontory, the temple seems to whisper to visitors the myths and history of the region, from antiquity to the present day.
Myth and History
It is here, according to tradition, that King Menelaus' ship stopped on its return from Troy, and also here where the unfortunate Aegeus perished, falling into the sea that was subsequently named after him. The temple was built using local marble to honour the god of the sea, but also to protect the profits from the nearby mines of Lavrio.
The Architect’s Secrets
The temple is attributed to the same enigmatic architect who built the Theseion in the Ancient Agora. Initially, it was adorned with sculptures made of Parian marble depicting the exploits of Theseus, as well as battles with Centaurs and Giants. The extant finds are housed in the Lavrio Museum, while the impressive Kouroi of the enclosure are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum. It is worth observing the Doric columns and counting their flutes: you will find that they are fewer than those of other temples of the era (such as the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina), a technical peculiarity for greater resistance to the corrosive effects of the sea.
The Experience of Visiting
Combine a stroll with a dip in the beach below the temple or in the nearby Legrena, and enjoy fresh fish at the local tavernas. Don't miss the sunset, considered one of the most beautiful in Attica, with the ancient temple as a backdrop.
Myth and History
It is here, according to tradition, that King Menelaus' ship stopped on its return from Troy, and also here where the unfortunate Aegeus perished, falling into the sea that was subsequently named after him. The temple was built using local marble to honour the god of the sea, but also to protect the profits from the nearby mines of Lavrio.
The Architect’s Secrets
The temple is attributed to the same enigmatic architect who built the Theseion in the Ancient Agora. Initially, it was adorned with sculptures made of Parian marble depicting the exploits of Theseus, as well as battles with Centaurs and Giants. The extant finds are housed in the Lavrio Museum, while the impressive Kouroi of the enclosure are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum. It is worth observing the Doric columns and counting their flutes: you will find that they are fewer than those of other temples of the era (such as the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina), a technical peculiarity for greater resistance to the corrosive effects of the sea.
The Experience of Visiting
Combine a stroll with a dip in the beach below the temple or in the nearby Legrena, and enjoy fresh fish at the local tavernas. Don't miss the sunset, considered one of the most beautiful in Attica, with the ancient temple as a backdrop.
