Ναός Πωσειδώνος, Σούνιο - Cape Sounion, Temple of Poseidon

What a sight it must have been when the ancient Greek seafarers laid their eyes on the majestic Temple of Poseidon at the very tip of cape Sounio. There must have been no better reward for sailors who braved the waves of the Aegean Archipelago than the view of the orderly marble columns atop the rugged rocks that form the cape of Sounio.



A sign of approaching safe harbor for sailors who navigated towards Athens and a sign of farewell for departing ones, the temple of Poseidon has stood silently for thousands of years as a reminder of respect for mighty Poseidon and his capricious ocean. The temple's proportions are humble and serene, and yet the structure is elevated in a showmanship manner through the massive foundation that raises it so it can be easily spotted by sailors from afar. While most of the ornaments have been removed, the Doric columns impose a statement of strength, durability and serenity on the entire landscape. The aesthetics of the temple communicate a message most appropriate and welcome for those who braved the ocean in small vessels at the mercy of Poseidon's desires.

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