Perched at the southernmost tip of Attica, at the end of the Sounio Peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon offers a breathtaking vista of the Aegean Sea, framed by rugged cliffs. This ancient marvel stands within a formidable fort, actively guarding Attica’s coastline.
Constructed entirely of white marble in the mid-5th century BC to honor Poseidon, the god of the sea, the temple is bathed in mesmerizing hues of blues, reds, and oranges as the sun sets over the horizon.
Many have been captivated by this sight, including Lord Byron, the celebrated British poet, who left his mark by having his name engraved on one of its famous marble pillars, though the exact perpetrator remains a mystery.
The temple’s significance is deeply woven into Greek history and literature. In his epic Odyssey, Homer referred to Sounio as “the sacred cape of the Athenians.” Herodotus, the ancient historian, chronicled the grand four-yearly festivals celebrated by the ancient Greeks here.
Great tragedians like Sophocles and Euripides, as well as the wit of the comic poet Aristophanes, make mention of Poseidon’s sanctuary in Sounio.
For over two millennia, the Temple of Poseidon has stood as the first historic Athenian landmark visible to those arriving by sea in Piraeus. Together with the Parthenon and the Temple of Aphaia on nearby Aegina Island, it forms the Sacred Triangle of antiquity.
As you explore the temple complex, numerous trails and walkways lead to the cliff’s edge, offering panoramic views of the sea. If you have time for just one visit, ensure it coincides with sunset—an experience that will etch itself into your memory forever.
