Sounion  

Sounion - Attica (Greece)

Sounion. Cape Sounion (Sounio) is a major attraction in the south of Attica, at the end of the Sounion peninsula. Sounion is located 68 kilometers (42 miles) from Athens and is an ideal day trip from the city. The ride going there is already beautiful with many scenic views. The Poseidon temple, built in ancient times, is located there. The Athenians built sanctuaries here to worship their gods. They built the temple of Poseidon and a little lower they built a temple of Athena. The Sanctuary of Poseidon was in a fort and was built to protect the south coast of Attica. The temple of white marble from Agrileza was built in the fifth century BC.

The Poseidon Temple graces a nearly 70 meters (230 feet) high rock which rises steeply from the Aegean Sea. From this temple the view is breath-taking and impressive and sunsets here are famous. The evening sun colors the gold columns and slowly changes the environment in pastel shades. From the parking place you can stroll to the temple from above and have views of the sea on both sides. You look out on sandy beaches, forested hills, cliffs and the beautiful blue sea. Slightly above the parking lot is a restaurant with a terrace. Here you can order a snack and a drink. The Poseidon Temple was rebuilt in 480 BC by Pericles, because the original temple was destroyed by the Persians. Of the Doric temple with its once 34 columns, 16 remain, each 6 meters (20 feet) high. The white marble columns stabbing beautifully against the bright blue background of the sea and the sky. The temple, the views and wildlife are absolutely gorgeous!

Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer 
 

Photo Gallery Sounion - Photos of Sounion

JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 39 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 17 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 50 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 43 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 1 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 58 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 45 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 28 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com The harbour of Somewhere between Sounion and Lavrio | Attica - Central Greece Photo 2 - Foto van JustGreece.com JustGreece.com Sounio | Cape Sounion near Athens | Attica - Central Greece Photo 11 - Foto van JustGreece.com

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Average temperature Sounion
January
8.3°C
February
9.2°C
March
11.5°C
April
15.1°C
May
20.3°C
June
24.7°C
July
27.1°C
August
26.9°C
September
23.0°C
October
17.9°C
November
13.1°C
December
9.6°C

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Map of Sounion
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