Ancient Greek temples are among the most famous historical sites in the world. In fact, any list of ancient Greek temples would include some of the best-known historic sites on the planet, from Agrigento and the world-famous Parthenon to Paestum, Sounio, Pergamum and Corinth.
There is probably no better example of ancient Greek architecture and civilization than the world's Greek temples that have survived through the centuries.
Today, the number of surviving Greek temples is greater than you might think, with Greek temples found not just in Greece itself, but throughout the Mediterranean, as well as a whole list of ancient Greek temples that you shouldn't overlook when visiting.
What are the best Greek temples in the world?
Photo credit: Shutterstock
1. Talk there Temple
The Valley of the Temples contains the incredibly well-preserved remains of several amazing temples that represent some of the best-preserved ancient Greek ruins in the world, especially outside of Greece. Most were made in the 5th century BC. built. Of the ten original temples, the remains of nine can be seen today. The best preserved of the ruins is the Templo de la Concordia, which was saved from destruction when it was incorporated into a Christian church. The other temples are dedicated to Juno, Olympian Zeus, Hephaestus, Hera Lacinia and Castor and Pollux.
keep readingPhoto credit: Shutterstock
2. The Parthenon
By far the most famous of all Greek temples, the Parthenon in central Athens is a monument to classical Greek civilization. Built during the golden age by Pericles, the famous Athenian statesman, the Parthenon was originally built as a temple to the ancient Greek goddess Athena. Badly damaged in 1687 during a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Venetians, many of the surviving sculptures were removed from the site by the Earl of Elgin in the early 19th century and are now on display in the British Museum. Today, the Parthenon remains on most history buffs' must-see list.
keep reading3. Dor
Paestum is a Greco-Roman site south of Naples that contains the impressive ruins of three ancient Greek temples that still exist. Today, visitors can still see the spectacular Temple of Hera, Temple of Neptune, and Temple of Ceres. The site also contains impressive defensive walls, a Roman forum, the basic remains of a Roman amphitheater and several ancient tombs.
keep readingPhoto credit: Shutterstock
4. Temple of Poseidon - Sounio
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, a picturesque ruined Greek temple from the 5th century BC. BC, it was dedicated to the deity of the sea. Dramatically situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the temple consists of a rectangle of large restored Doric columns. For truly spectacular views, this partially ruined Greek temple is hard to beat. If you manage to capture it at sunset, the scene is complete. It's about an hour from Athens and there are several tour operators offering half-day tours.
keep readingPhoto credit: Shutterstock
5. Pergamum
Once a thriving Greek and then Roman city, Pergamon's ruins include famous sites like the Asklepieion Temple, theater and library. The historic ruins are divided into three main areas. On the Acropolis are sights such as the library, the gymnasium, the very steep theater and armory, as well as the Roman temple of Trajan. The other two areas are the Lower Town and the impressive Health Center or Asclepion, where various treatments were offered, such as: B. Mud baths.
keep reading6. Corinthians
The ruins of Corinth, an important Greek city, include the remains of the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo. and the remaining columns of the Temple of Octavia. Inhabited since the Neolithic, Corinth grew from the 8th century BC. and it became a commercial center and a city of great wealth. Today, visitors can visit the many ancient sites, including the few ruins of the ancient Temple of Aphrodite, once home to the sacred prostitutes of Corinth. In addition to these holy places, much of Corinth's original infrastructure can be seen, along with many remains from Roman times, including the theater and the Peirene fountain.
7. Temple of Hephaestus
Arguably better preserved than its more famous Athenian neighbor, the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus is the most impressive ancient Greek temple and one of the finest Greek temples in the world. Located in the Agora of Athens, it was the place of worship of the Greek deity of fire, blacksmiths and sculpture. In the 5th century BC. The Temple of Hephaestus, built in the 4th century BC. C., it was later integrated into the Church of Agios Georgios, responsible for its excellent state of conservation.
French sculptor Auguste Rodin was inspired by the classical art he saw at the British Museum in 1881. Now, Janina Ramírez returns to the same institution to guide us through an exhibition of her iconic works and vintage influences, displayed here side by side for the first time.
look now
Photo credit: Shutterstock
8. Delphi
One of the most famous ancient Greek temples is the Temple of Apollo, from the 4th century BC. in Delphi, although little remains of this once sacred place. Archaeologists have found evidence that Delphi was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic and sites dating back to the Mycenaean civilization, but it was the ancient Greek city that developed at Delphi that left the biggest mark on the area. Part of what made Delphi such an important city was its mythological and religious status. Possibly the best-preserved site in Delphi is the 5th-century Doric building, the Treasury of the Athenians, located on the Sacred Way, a central street in the religious area of the city.
keep reading9. Priene
Priene contains the remains of the Greek Temple of Athena, donated by Alexander the Great, as well as other fascinating historical remains. It is one of many important ancient sites in the region and is close to Miletus andephesus. Though smaller than other nearby historic attractions, Priene's real charm lies in its quiet appeal and off-the-beaten-track vibe. Today, the ruins of Priene stand next to the modern village of Güllübahçe, near the town of Söke. The site remains relatively free of tourists, although several tour operators offer excursions from local resorts.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
10. Ephesus
Unfortunately, the remains of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, are very poorly preserved. However, Ephesus itself is a wonder to explore and contains some of the finest Greek and Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. The site is a treasure trove for history buffs, allowing them to wander the streets and see the magnificent homes, community buildings, temples and stadiums. Some of the most impressive sites in Ephesus are the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian. A trip to Ephesus usually lasts at least half a day; some tours include other local attractions such asPrieneand Miletus, but enthusiasts will likely want to enjoy this site for a full day. There is also a large Ephesus Museum displaying artifacts found in the old city.