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Sounion · Greece

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Known locally as Ναός Ποσειδώνα Σουνίου

Fifth-century BCE seaside sanctuary dramatically positioned on the cliffs of Cape Sounion.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion Jebulon · CC0 1.0
Typical visit
1 hour 30 minutes
Setting
Outdoor
Region
Attica
Last checked
8 Aug 2026

Why visit

Fifth-century BCE seaside sanctuary dramatically positioned on the cliffs of Cape Sounion. The surviving marble temple was built around the mid-fifth century BCE on a strategic cape guarding sea approaches to Attica and the nearby Lavrion mining district. The sanctuary remained a landmark for sailors and later travellers approaching the Aegean coast. The visit is strongest when you focus on doric temple columns, aegean cliff views and fortification remains.

What you will see

  • Doric temple columns.
  • Aegean cliff views.
  • Fortification remains.

History

The surviving marble temple was built around the mid-fifth century BCE on a strategic cape guarding sea approaches to Attica and the nearby Lavrion mining district. The sanctuary remained a landmark for sailors and later travellers approaching the Aegean coast.

Photographs

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Jebulon · CC0 1.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Prioritise Doric temple columns if you have less time than the full suggested visit.

  2. 2

    Leave enough time for Aegean cliff views rather than treating Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion as a quick photo stop.

About Attica

Athens and the surrounding peninsula, including Saronic island heritage, major museums and coastal archaeology.

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More to see around Sounion

Acropolis of Athens Athens · Greece Classical sanctuary and citadel above Athens, centred on the Parthenon and other fifth-century BCE monuments. Acropolis Museum Athens · Greece Modern museum displaying sculpture and finds from the Acropolis in a building aligned with the ancient hill. Ancient Agora of Athens Athens · Greece The civic and commercial heart of ancient Athens, with temples, public buildings and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. National Archaeological Museum Athens · Greece Greece's major archaeological museum, covering prehistoric, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Egyptian collections. Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens · Greece Monumental remains of one of the largest temples of the ancient Greek world, standing beside central Athens. Panathenaic Stadium Athens · Greece Marble stadium on the site of an ancient racecourse, closely associated with the revival of the modern Olympic Games.