Athens could have been Poseidonia!
This is how important Poseidon, the god of the sea, is to us Greeks.
According to Greek Mythology, the two gods Athina, the goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, the protector of the seas, both bid on who will become the city’s patron.
Obviously, Athena won. More on that very interesting competition in my post published here.
For a wonderful day by the sea and a dive into ancient Greek history, all you need is a visit to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio. You do not need to book in advance. Here is all you need to know for an unforgettable visit!
Who was Poseidon
According to Greek Mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea, rivers, springs, drinking water and generally the liquid element. He was also the god of stormes and horses.
He was the son of Cronus and Rhea, and the older brother of Zeus. His wife was Amphitrite, one of the 50 Niriides. Poseidon, like his brother Zeus, had many extramarital affairs and therefore many children.
The main symbol of Poseidon was the trident spear, which was both a scepter of recognition and a way or a weapon of imposing his will.
What is the significance of the temple’s location?
In real estate, there are three parameters to pay attention to: Location, location, and location!
Athenians, ever since the 5th century BCE, knew that well. They carefully chose a strategic geographical point, the cape of Sounio, and they built there the famous temple of Poseidon.
The temple’s location has great significance.
Poseidon’s temple is situated on the apex of an isosceles triangle. This is a triangle where the two lengths are of equal size as they start from the third line, the base. The geographical triangle, as we see it on the map, is between the temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio, the temple of Ifestos in Thissio in Athens, and the temple of Aphaia in Egina. The two long sides of the triangle are both equal to 44 klm or 27 miles.
This is not the only triangle. Nine antiquity temples, all connected as their locations form 5 isosceles triangles on the map of Attica!
The triangulation starts from the temple of Poseidon in Sounio and continues as each triangle is a continuation of the previous one!
There is a mystery on the significance of these five triangles.
The symmetry exists. However there are various theories as to what purpose it serves.
There is the view that the triangles on the map of Attica reflect the movements of various celestial bodies, such as the sun and the moon, on the Earth’s surface. But nothing is absolutely proven and the mystery still remains.
The history of the Temple
The temple was built of Agrileza marble in the Doric style in the middle of the 5th century BCE.
During the 9th year of the Peloponnesian War it was fortified with one of the strongest walls of the time. At a lower point and a distance of about 500 meters from the Temple of Poseidon, there are the ruins of a small temple of Athena.
In the archaic period, the sanctuary of Sounio was developed, which is evidenced by the colossal Kouros (statues of male figures with a slight movement) that were erected there.
The Kouros were made from marble from the island Naxos and each one was 3,05 m tall! Three of them were found and today are in the National Archaeological Museum.
According to Greek Mythology, following Athenians’ favoring Athena over Poseidon, they soon build a temple for Poseidon in Cape Sounion so as to make sure the god of the sea is still favorable towards the city. Even if it did not name it.
When you actually visit the temple you will admire up close a masterpiece of architecture.
The archaeological site that hosts the Temple of Poseidon also includes the remains of the small temple of Athena Souniada, the fortress with the walls and the small settlement inside it. There is also the ancient port that was in the shadow of Poseidon.
Additionally, at that location you will enjoy a unique view of the sea and, if you go at the right time, you will witness the beautiful view of the sunset.
A day excursion that is surely worth your time.
There is also a shop with publications, maps, posters, cards and other suvenirs.
After enjoying the view, walking and swimming at the lovely nearby beach, you will definitely make a stop for greek traditional food. There are many small taverns, with fresh fish, or other tasty greek dishes and a great view of the Temple of Poseidon.
How to get to the Temple of Poseidon
You can rent a car and enjoy the Athenian Riviera as you approach the Temple of Poseidon.
Or you can use public transport. The routes towards the Temple of Poseidon can be found here: ΑΘΉΝΑ – ΣΟΎΝΙΟ / ATHENS – SOUNIO, ΛΆΥΡΙΟ – ΣΟΎΝΙΟ / LAURIUM- SOUNIO
Τickets
General admission for adults
Full ticket price for the Summer Season (April 1 – October 31): 8 €
Full ticket price for the Winter Season (November 1 – March 31): 4 €
Reduced ticket price for the Summer Season (April 1 – October 31): 4 €
The following are entitled to a reduced ticket:
- People over 65 years old – citizens within the European Union (with proof of ID)
- Students from outside the European Union (with the presentation of the student card)
The following are entitled to free entry:
- Children under 18 and students within the European Union
- People with disabilities
Whichever way you take, and vehicle you decide to use, the day in the Temple of Poseidon in Cape of Sounio will leave a wonderful memory in your mind.
Many visitors claim that the energy there is unique, the venue is very romantic, and they cannot wait to just go back.