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Trip Planner: Europe / Greece / Attica / Athens / Temple of Hephaestus

Temple of Hephaestus, Athens

4.8

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Little changed in the two millennia since its completion, making Temple of Hephaestus recognizable to many on the northwestern corner of Athens' centrally located ancient agora. Dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths, the Doric temple once stood in the middle of a busy area housing foundries and metalwork shops. Built around 450 BCE of marble carried here from a nearby mountain, the temple features 34 columns and an Ionic frieze portraying the mythical twelve labors of Heracles (Hercules). Christians converted the temple into a church in the 7th century and held services inside until 1833. To gain a better understanding of the ancient world's everyday life, take a guided tour of the temple and the surrounding archeological site. Plan a Athens trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

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Tours to Temple of Hephaestus

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Temple of Hephaestus reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

4,574 reviews

Google

4.8

By Wikumj

Located at the back of the Ancient Agora, this is one of the best preserved ancient buildings. Being on a slightly raised hill, it also enjoys views over the rest of the agora and the acropolis

Located at the back of the Ancient Agora, this is one of the best preserved ancient buildings. Being on a slightly raised hill, it also enjoys views over the rest of the agora and the acropolis more »
By chait1788

One of the better preserved ruins in the ancient agora of athens. Its an amazing structure and provides an amazing view of the Acropolis as it is slightly elevated in its location. The story of its..... more

One of the better preserved ruins in the ancient agora of athens. Its an amazing structure and provides an amazing view of the Acropolis as it is slightly elevated in its location. The story of its..... more »
By Paul B

The Temple of Hephaestus or Hephaisteion is probably the best-preserved Greek temple and was dedicated to Hephaestus; The remains of the Doric perpipteral structure are standing largely intact today..... more

The Temple of Hephaestus or Hephaisteion is probably the best-preserved Greek temple and was dedicated to Hephaestus; The remains of the Doric perpipteral structure are standing largely intact today..... more »

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By Ali Sh

My favourite place in Athens. A 2500 year old temple that still stands! The history is just so great ans the architecture and design so influential and beautiful.

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By Chad Schallick

Stunning! Had the opportunity to visit this temple in December 2021. There was hardly any crowd this time of the year. The size of the temple is astonishing and makes you feel small. The attention to details is amazing!

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By Wesley

A complete ancient Greek temple, I loved it. The details are amazing! The setting is great and the walk trough the garden is peaceful. If you go before the 1st of April, you only have to pay €10. Totally worth it!

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By Diogo Santo

One of the most intact temples in Athens if not "the most". The views in and around are incredibly interesting. It was the first location I visited upon my arrival to Athens and I couldn't be more happy about it. Really interesting to understand both why they built these temples and how. The rocks they used and how they would reflect specific things of the gods. If you come to Athens, don't miss this place.

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By mik losh

Very well preserved temple from the 4th century BC in the heart of Athens. From here you have a good view of the Acropolis. Admission including the museum and the other excavation sites is 10 euros. Definitely recommended.

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