Temple of Poseidon
See more Temples. See best of Central Region in Greece.
|
Only about half the columns remain of the Temple of Poseidon (god of the sea) on the end of Cape Sounion, but what makes this special is the fact it overlooks the Aegean, and the sunsets are spectacular here. This 5th Century BC temple is a popular day trip from Athens - but if you are here off season and early in the morning you could have the place to yourself, when it becomes magical.
This cape marks the spot, in mythology, where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death into the sea that was subsequently named after him. He was watching out for his son Theseus's return from Crete, where he had been battling the monstrous Minotaur. Theseus had arranged with his father that if he was victorious he would hoist a white sail. Unfortunately forgetful Theseus, though he had slain the beast, had forgotten the white sail. The ship was sailing under a more normal black one, and on seeing this on the horizon, his despairing father threw himself onto the rocks below.
You can see Lord Byron's signature carved deeply into the stone of the temple here.
2 / 5
Review by editor Have you been here? Why not add your own review or report an error. |
«
»
More great holidays » Selected holidays
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
