In ancient times, one of the ways that people paid their respects to the gods and goddesses that they worshipped was to construct temples. The practice was especially popular in Greece. In this article, you will encounter some of the ancient Greek temples that you may want to add to your itinerary if you are visiting Greece.
God Temples
Zeus , Zeus was the leader of the gods at Mount Olympus. The colossal columns of one of Zeus’s temples are found in downtown Athens, which offers a dramatic sight for vacationers.
Poseidon , Cape Sounion offers the views of high sea-cliffs, and offers a temple associated with Poseidon. It is said that the sunsets that take place here are well worth the drive.
Apollo , Associated with oracles and playing his lyre, Apollo was a popular solar god. In Delphi, there is the Temple of Apollo Delphinus, which is one of the most visited in the country. While you are there, take advantage of the restaurants and shopping opportunities in the city.
Hephaestus , While he is lesser known, Hephaestus is still recognized as the lame god who married the goddess of love, Aphrodite. His temple found along the Acropolis is thought the best preserved in Greece
Goddess Temples
Hera , As the wife of Zeus, Hera definitely had her fair share of temples. A trip to the island of Samos will bring you closer to the spirit of the goddess.
Aphrodite , The goddess of love and beauty had a great deal of temples constructed in her honor. Those who travel to the island nation of Cyprus will find plenty of chances to pay homage to the goddesses, including a festival that is held in her honor.
Artemis , The goddess who is often linked with forest creatures and hunting has a delightful temple complex found at Brauron (Vravrona). It is here that Iphigenia’s tomb is located. The accompanying tale states that her father Agamemnon offered the girl as a sacrifice to bring fair winds. However, other interpretations say that she ran away to Vravrona, where she founded a cult in honor of Artemis.
Athena , Athena is the goddess of wisdom and is also the daughter of Zeus. Over the years, her temple is seen as one of the best preserved. Dedicated to her in Athens, the Parthenon on the Acropolis is certainly a popular stop on the agenda of travelers.
Demeter , The tale of Demeter and her daughter Persephone involves kidnapping, loss, and compromise. Hades gets to enjoy the company of Persephone for six months, where everything dies and becomes cold. When Persephone returns to her mother, who is also the goddess of grain , the earth is renewed with growth and greenery. Eleusis is where you will find a temple dedicated to Demeter.
