1. Religion & Spirituality

Sounion Temple of Poseidon (Neptune), Greece

What is the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece?

By , About.com Guide

Cape Sounion (Sounio, Sunium) in Greece is a promontory which was used to spot approaching ships before they reached Athens. Located 65 km south-east of Athens, it is also the site of two famous temples: the Temple of Poseidon and the Temple of Athena. Constructed in the 5th century BCE, the Temple of Poseidon is the best preserved of the two.

Sitting 60m above the sea, many of its 6m high columns remain standing. The temple sites have been popular tourist attractions for centuries. Before the Greek government stepped in to stop the practice, many carved their names into the stone ruins -- including Lord Byron.

Images 1-7 of 7

Where is the Cape Sounion Temple of Poseidon? Why is there a Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?Where is the Cape Sounion Temple of Poseidon?What is the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion? What is the Sounion Temple of Poseidon Like?What is the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion?Cape Sounion in Greek Mythology: Appearances of Cape Sounion in Greek Myths and Religious LegendCape Sounion in Greek MythologyDevelopment of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion: How the Sounion Temple of Poseidon ChangedDevelopment of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Why Are There Temples to Athena and Poseidon at Cape Sounion? Why Was Cape Sounion Important?Why Are There Temples to Athena and Poseidon at Cape Sounion?Temple of Athena at Sounion: Why Build a Temple of Athena at Cape Sounion?Why Build a Temple of Athena at Cape Sounion?Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion as a Popular Tourist DestinationTemple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion as a Popular Tourist Destination

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.