Visit Cape Sounio
The temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, dominates the southernmost tip of Attica, where the horizon meets the Aegean Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times.
When was it built
During 444–400 BC, probably by Iktinos, one of the two architects that built the Parthenon. If you can only afford a single visit, make sure to be there during the sunset. It’s a spectacle you won’t soon forget
The Story
This Doric temple was erected during the Golden Age of Pericles. It was devoted to Poseidon, the Olympian God of the Sea, and is located at the edge of Cape Sounion at the southern coast of Attica, with a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea.
The Location
The location was cited as holy grounds by Homer and Herodotus and signs of habitation stretch back to 2,800 BC. Due to its strategic point, it also served as a watchtower, guarding the passage to Piraeus and the rich surrounding silver mines.
How to get there
Sounio is located on the southernmost tip of Attica; it is the end point of the Athenian Riviera, at a 69km distance from Athens and travel by car along the coast of Athens and Attica.