Temple of Hephaestus - Athens
In approx. 450 BC (approx. 460-420 BC) under Pericles, perhaps the best-preserved temple of Classical Greece pictured here is realized; the Temple of Hephaestus god of metallurgy, fire & volcanoes.
By Alexios Demos on November 19, 2019
Corinthian Capital Detail Temple of Hephaestus in Background | Ancient Agora | Athens | © Copyright 2021 Alexios Demos
Indicative Information | Tickets Full: €10, Reduced: €5 | Visiting Times Summer: 08:00 -18:30 | Athens Adrianou 24 Postcode: 10555 | More info call +302103210196 / 2103210196
The temple was able to stand the test of time partially due to the reason it was converted into a Christian church during the 7th century AD.
“Today there is something magnificently human about the scale and proportion of the temple a timeless modesty that makes visitors feel close to the ancient Gods.”
In 1834 the site became the grounds for the coronation of King Otto of Greece who was Greece’s first king.
Temple of Hephaestus - Athens
◾◾◾
I present to you the Temple of Hephaestus prominently located in the Ancient Agora in Athens. Hephaestus was the god of metalworking and fire in Ancient Greece but perhaps what is more interesting is he was married to the Goddess of Love Aphrodite who was unfortunately for him especially promiscuous. Nonetheless, the married couple definitely could not envision what a colorful story this temple has had through the millennia!
◾◾◾
During the late Roman Empire, the temple was able to survive the invasion of the Visigoths who were hell-bent on destroying ancient Greek temples in Athens testament of this is that they obliterated the Ancient Agora! The temple was able to stand the test of time partially due to the reason it was converted into a Christian church during the 7th century AD. During the Ottoman rule of Greece (1453-1821 AD), Protestants were buried in the grounds (if only Hephaestus knew his temple was even converted into a cemetery!) In 1834 the site became the grounds for the coronation of King Otto of Greece who was Greece’s first king. Today there is something magnificently human about the scale and proportion of the temple a timeless modesty that makes visitors feel close to the ancient Gods. Leaving the busy neighborhood of Monastiraki you are teleported in space of absolute tranquility were the only perceivable sound is birds and excited tourists eager to complete their walk to enjoy souvlaki!
◾◾◾
Date of Visit: Nov 11, 2019 Weather Conditions: Humid afternoon visit 1 hour before closing time!
◾◾◾
