Temple of Hephaestus
Temple of Hephaestus features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Athens. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Athens Athens guide
About Temple of Hephaestus
The most complete ancient Greek temple still standing, saved from the quarry because it spent twelve centuries as the Christian church of Saint George on the Agora's western edge.
The Temple of Hephaestus is a Doric peripteral temple on the low Agoraios Kolonos hill at the northwest edge of the Ancient Agora, dedicated to Hephaestus, god of metalworking and fire, and also honouring Athena. Built roughly between 449 and 415 BC, largely of Pentelic marble, it is hexastyle, with six columns across each end and thirteen along each side, and measures about 13.7 by 31.8 metres. Its sculpted metopes show the Labours of Heracles across the east front and deeds of the hero Theseus on the corners of the long sides.
It is among the best-preserved of all ancient Greek temples because it was converted around the seventh century AD into the Greek Orthodox church of Saint George Akamates and used as a church until 1834, which spared it from the dismantling and quarrying that destroyed other Agora buildings. The last Christian liturgy was held there in 1833, and the building later served as a museum until 1934.
Did you know? The temple's nickname "Theseion" is a mistake. Early travellers saw scenes of the hero Theseus carved on its corners and assumed it was his shrine; in truth it was dedicated to Hephaestus and Athena.
How long is a visit to Temple of Hephaestus?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Temple of Hephaestus. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Temple of Hephaestus worth your time?
Temple of Hephaestus is among the 35 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Athens, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Athens
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Temple of Hephaestus and read more:
Day 1 of the Athens in 2 days itinerary →Day 1 of the Athens in 3 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Temple of Hephaestus
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