Temple of Hephaestus, Athens (must see)
Topping a hill on the northwest side of the Agora, the temple of Hephaestus, the god of metallurgy, is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. In part, this is due to its conversion to the Greek Orthodox church between the 7th and the 19th centuries.
This surprisingly intact structure may well not match the Parthenon's remains or the colossal Olympian Zeus temple in terms of grandeur, but it does offer a genuine sense of the true proportions of an authentic Greek house of worship.
In Greek mythology, Hephaestus was the deity associated with fire, metalworking, blacksmiths, and artisans. He alone possessed the skill to craft the indestructible bronze residences in which the other Olympian gods lived.
Construction of the temple began in 449 BC and reportedly took some three decades to complete amid the shortage of human and material resources due to the Parthenon construction at the same time. As documented in the "Description of Greece" by Greek traveler Pausanias in the 2nd century AD, the temple once housed bronze statues of both Athena and Hephaestus.
Tips:
The surrounding trees and shrubs form a small garden where visitors can find shaded spots and enjoy excellent views of other historical locations.
You can explore this site with the Acropolis multi-site ticket, which is highly recommended. For a richer experience, consider obtaining an audio guide. While the entry inside can be limited, you can walk outside to admire the decorative friezes adorning the exterior.
This surprisingly intact structure may well not match the Parthenon's remains or the colossal Olympian Zeus temple in terms of grandeur, but it does offer a genuine sense of the true proportions of an authentic Greek house of worship.
In Greek mythology, Hephaestus was the deity associated with fire, metalworking, blacksmiths, and artisans. He alone possessed the skill to craft the indestructible bronze residences in which the other Olympian gods lived.
Construction of the temple began in 449 BC and reportedly took some three decades to complete amid the shortage of human and material resources due to the Parthenon construction at the same time. As documented in the "Description of Greece" by Greek traveler Pausanias in the 2nd century AD, the temple once housed bronze statues of both Athena and Hephaestus.
Tips:
The surrounding trees and shrubs form a small garden where visitors can find shaded spots and enjoy excellent views of other historical locations.
You can explore this site with the Acropolis multi-site ticket, which is highly recommended. For a richer experience, consider obtaining an audio guide. While the entry inside can be limited, you can walk outside to admire the decorative friezes adorning the exterior.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Temple of Hephaestus on Map
Sight Name: Temple of Hephaestus
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto鈥檚 queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatz铆ki, dolm谩des, kalamar谩kia) can constitute a full meal. Greece鈥檚 most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The 鈥渘eighborhood of the Gods鈥�, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
Just as many things in Greece, dining in Athens is very much laid-back with the majority of local eateries seeing patrons begin to congregate for dinner only after 8 pm. Eating-wise, the Athenians favor simplicity, leaning to the more casual and not so pricey tavernas where food is plentiful. To...
15 Best Cafes in Athens
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A cradle of European civilization, Greece, in general, and Athens, in particular, have long been - from the days of the Roman Empire up until present - the lure for travelers and history buffs seeking to find and bring home something memorable. Today's Athens (much as its ancient self) offers a...