In so many of the best archaeological sites in Greece, the strong Mediterranean sun beats down as you explore the ancient ruins.
There’s almost no shade when you visit the Acropolis in Athens. Away from the coast, the ruins of Epidaurus are covered in a blanket of heat. And a visit to Delos means hours out in direct sunlight.
It’s the first difference you notice at the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae. High in the mountains of central Peloponnese, the climate is cooler and the landscape is lush.
But even more distinctive is the enormous tent over the temple, a cloth cover enclosing it completely that is designed to protect it from the elements, but also has the effect of hiding it from sight from the outside and blocking the surroundings once you go in.
Inside the tent covering the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, you quickly forget about its surroundings – even though the location is quite interesting (more on that shortly). because this ancient monument is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece.
What is the Temple of Apollo Epicurius?
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius is an enormous temple built in the mountains of the western Peloponnese around 400 BC. Dedicated to Apollo Epicurius (which means ‘Apollo the helper’), it was designed by the same architect as the Parthenon in Athens.
Why is the Temple of Apollo Epicurius important?
One of the main reasons the Temple of Apollo Epicurius is important – and one of the reasons it was listed as a World Heritage Site – is because it’s considered to be one of the best preserved temples of the Ancient World. Its spectacular design has features that can be found nowhere else in Greece.
Can you visit the Temple of Apollo Epicurius?
Yes, you can visit the Temple of Apollo Epicurius and it’s open to the public all year round. However, it’s in a relatively remote location in the mountains and is not easy to reach by public transport and is quite a long drive by car.
The tent is here for protection. Not for me, or any of the other visitors, but for the monument. The Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae is one of the best preserved sites of Ancient Greece and the covering is part of the effort to protect that – as is the restoration work that’s been going on for years.
Of the 38 large columns that it would once have had around its edges, most are still now standing here (in various states of repair). Walls, stairs, and other elements come together to give a…
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