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Cape Sounion Soúnion

Cape Soúnion, at the southeastern tip of Attica, is famed for the magnificent situation of its temple of Poseidon, perched on the edge of a precipitous crag.

Homer refers in the "Odyssey" (3, 278) to the "sacred cape" of Soúnion. In the seventh century B.C. there was probably a simple altar here; about 600 B.C. the large figures of kouroi now in the National Archeological Museum in Athens were set up beside it; and around 500 B.C. work began on the construction of a temple in poros limestone which was still unfinished when the Persians destroyed it in 480 B.C.

In the bay below the temple were boat-houses, of which some remains can still be seen.

Buses from Athens (60km/37mi).

Must-see attractions nearby:
Address
Sounion Archeological Site
Soúnion
Greece
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open9:309:309:309:309:309:309:30
Close17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
Always opened on:
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Always closed on:
Greek National Day (March 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Transit
Bus: 14 (orange) To Sounion from Mavromateon.

Related Attractions

Makronísi
Makronísi, the "Long Island", lies five km/three mi off the coast of Attica to the east of Cape Soúnion. In antiquity, it bore the name of Helen, who, according to Pausanias, rested here. Archeological evidence points to a modest degree of settlement from the Neolithic period onwards. In more recent times, the island was used as an internment camp for opponents of the government. It is now inhabited only by a few shepherds.
Sounion National Park
The Soúnion National Park was established in 1974 in Attica. It is 750 hectares/1,850 acres (with surrounding area 2,750 hectares/6,790 acres). Special features include Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine).
The park is largely known for its beautiful views over the Aegian Sea and beautiful coastline.
Address
Greek Forestry Service
3-5 Ippokratous
Athéna
Greece
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