Sounion - Attica (Greece)

Sounion. Cape Sounion (Sounio) is a major attraction in the south of Attica, at the end of the Sounion peninsula. Sounion is located 68 kilometers (42 miles) from Athens and is an ideal day trip from the city. The ride going there is already beautiful with many scenic views. The Poseidon temple, built in ancient times, is located there. The Athenians built sanctuaries here to worship their gods. They built the temple of Poseidon and a little lower they built a temple of Athena. The Sanctuary of Poseidon was in a fort and was built to protect the south coast of Attica. The temple of white marble from Agrileza was built in the fifth century BC.

The Poseidon Temple graces a nearly 70 meters (230 feet) high rock which rises steeply from the Aegean Sea. From this temple the view is breath-taking and impressive and sunsets here are famous. The evening sun colors the gold columns and slowly changes the environment in pastel shades. From the parking place you can stroll to the temple from above and have views of the sea on both sides. You look out on sandy beaches, forested hills, cliffs and the beautiful blue sea. Slightly above the parking lot is a restaurant with a terrace. Here you can order a snack and a drink. The Poseidon Temple was rebuilt in 480 BC by Pericles, because the original temple was destroyed by the Persians. Of the Doric temple with its once 34 columns, 16 remain, each 6 meters (20 feet) high. The white marble columns stabbing beautifully against the bright blue background of the sea and the sky. The temple, the views and wildlife are absolutely gorgeous!

Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer 
 

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Sounion in other languages

• Sounio (GriekseGids.nl)
   
• Sounio (GriekseGids.be)
   
• Sounion (GreeceGuide.co.uk)
   
• Sounion (GriechenlandWeb.de)

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