Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Even though our visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is on our final day in Greece, I’ve chosen to blog about it now as it is the final site we will see on mainland Greece. All other sites to add to the blog will be on the Greek Isles.

Located 43 miles south of Athens on the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula, Cape Sounion is best known for its temple dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea. In fact the ruins of the temple sit atop a cliff looking out over the Aegean Sea.

It is from the steps of this temple, legend says, that Aegeus, king of Athens, (for whom the Aegean Sea is named) waited for his son Theseus to return from Crete after defeating the Minotaur, the monster that was half man and half bull.

Theseus was to change the sails to white upon his triumphant return, but forgot and the black sail remained. His father, in despair thinking his son lost, cast himself over the cliff and into the sea.

Although the ceiling-high bronze statue of Poseidon is long gone, the magnificent view of the sea from the promontory point captivates all who visit if for nothing else but the breathtaking sunsets seen from the temple steps.

Built in 440 BC, 18 of the original 42 Doric columns remain of the rectangular building where ancient Greeks came to pay tribute to Poseidon for safe passage on the seas.

To look for: the romantic poet Lord Byron’s name carved at the base of one of the columns. Although the poet mentions Sounion in his poem Don Juan and is known to have spent time in Athens in 1810-11 (exactly 200 years ago!), it is not known that he carved his name himself. Who knows...you may even find your own name!

Travel tip: There are no guard rails around the cliff area and sometimes a brisk sea breeze can be chilly.