Cape Sounion Soúnion
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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).
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).
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Address:
Sounion Archeological Site, Soúnion , Greece
Hours:
9:30am-5pm
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, Easter - Christian
Transit: Bus: 14 (orange) To Sounion from Mavromateon.
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Temple of Poseidon circa 440 BC in Sounion, Attica, was restored in the 19th century.
Temple of Poseidon circa 440 BC in Sounion, Attica.
