5 of the top ancient Greek temples to explore in Greece
From Poseidon to Zeus, Greek mythology has radiated throughout history and is still accessible today through the enduring stories and temples dedicated to the Greek gods. When you visit Greece on tour you’ll witness firsthand the profound history and craftsmanship of a legacy over 2,000 years old. Here are the top ancient Greek temples to visit on tour.
Greek mythology radiates throughout history through its enduring stories of heroic gods and epic adventure. Still standing after 2,000 years are the temples dedicated to the Olympian gods, like Poseidon and Zeus. You can stand in awe of these ancient deities as you explore their greek temples on our tours through Greece.
1. Parthenon
Athens
Where are the greek temples located in Greece? The Acropolis, the city center of ancient Athens, is a great place to start. The Parthenon is an ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis dedicated to Athena, the city’s namesake and patron goddess. Enjoy sweeping views of Athens from the top of Acropolis hill. Take in the view of the birthplace of Western Civilization while imagining life here thousands of years ago.
2. Temple of Athena Nike
Athens
Also on the Acropolis, you’ll find the ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. They represent victory and peacetime, and the citizens worshipped them in hopes of a successful outcome in the long wars fought against the Spartans. “Our tour director was outstanding and was able to bring the Greek culture alive,” said traveler Richard. Take a walk through this legendary temple on our A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini.
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3. Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, Olympia
37 miles south of Athens, the greek temple Poseidon sits along the Attica Peninsula. It’s visible to all sailors passing through and serves as a beacon for Athenians at sea. The temple near the ocean was an appropriate place for Poseidon who’s the god of the sea and storms, and one of the most bad-tempered, moody, and greedy Greek gods. The temple was built in 444 BC and is a popular place to catch a sunset, which you can watch through its ancient pillars as the sun dips into the Aegean Sea. Take a stroll through the remnants of this massive temple dedicated to Poseidon along the beautiful coast of Olympia.
Explore Greek temples on tour
4. Temple of Zeus
Olympia
Zeus is the Greek god of the sky and thunder, and the supreme deity of all gods and men. While on tour, you’ll learn from expert tour directors while you explore these thousand-year-old temples. “Every day was filled with beauty, history, and wonderful people,” said traveler Natalia. The temple was home to the renowned statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. View the Temple of Zeus and then step inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia on our Athens & Ancient Greece tour.
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5. Temple of Apollo
Delphi
A sacred path lined with monuments winds up to the sanctuary of the Temple of Apollo. There, the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo was known as the Oracle of Delphi. The oracle famously entered a trance by inhaling sweet-smelling noxious fumes from deep fissures under the temple and imparting cryptic predictions. See this mystical and important temple on a day excursion from Athens on our The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete.
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Growing up, Kara’s backyard was the Sonoran Desert where her love for exploration was ignited by dirt roads leading to petroglyphs and family road trips to sleepy Mexican fishing villages. Kara’s enjoyment for charting new territory continued with teaching abroad in Thailand, roaming wine cellar caves in Portugal, and swimming in the bioluminescent waters of the Caribbean. She’s always on the lookout for dive bars and a bowl of Vietnamese Pho (lime, basil, and jalapeño is the holy trinity).
