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Temple of Apollo Patroos: A Glimpse into Ancient Athenian Heritage

Explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo Patroos in Athens' Ancient Agora, a tribute to the Ionian heritage and a glimpse into classical history.

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The Temple of Apollo Patroos, a small ruined temple on the west side of the Ancient Agora of Athens, is dedicated to Apollo as the protector of fathers and the founder of the Ionian race. Built around 306-300 BC, it stands as a testament to Athens' rich history and connection to its Ionian roots.

A brief summary to Temple of Apollo Patroos

  • Adrianou 11, Athens, 105 55, GR

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the ruins.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Ancient Agora Museum to see artifacts found at the site, including what may be the temple's cult statue.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of the Ancient Agora, follow the central path westward. The Temple of Apollo Patroos is located on the west side of the Agora, near the Stoa of Zeus and beneath the Temple of Hephaestus. The walk is relatively short and straightforward within the Agora complex.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by metro, take Line 1 or Line 3 to the Monastiraki station. From Monastiraki, walk east towards the Ancient Agora. Alternatively, take Line 2 to Thissio station and walk towards the Agora from the north. A single metro ticket within Athens costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. A day ticket costs €4.10.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. Ask your driver to take you to the Ancient Agora (Αρχαία Αγορά). From Syntagma Square, a taxi ride to the Ancient Agora typically costs between €8 and €11. Ensure the meter is running. The base fare is €1.80, with a charge of €0.90/km during the day.

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Discover more about Temple of Apollo Patroos

Located on the west side of the Ancient Agora in Athens, the Temple of Apollo Patroos offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's ancient past. This small, ruined temple was dedicated to Apollo in his role as the patron of fathers ('Patroos') and, more broadly, as the mythical father of Ion, who was considered the founder of the Ionian people, including the Athenians. The temple's history is layered. An earlier apsidal structure, dating back to the mid-6th century BC, was destroyed during the Persian invasion in 480/79 BC. The current temple was constructed around 306-300 BC, during the Hellenistic period. This later temple was built in the Ionic order and featured a distinctive L-shaped floor plan. Pausanias, a 2nd-century AD travel writer, noted that the temple housed a cult statue of Apollo sculpted by Euphranor. A colossal statue of Apollo, split into two pieces, was discovered near the temple and is believed to be this very statue. Today, visitors can explore the temple's remains and imagine its former grandeur within the bustling Agora. The site is located beneath the Kolonos Agoraios (Agora hill) and the Temple of Hephaestus, near the Stoa of Zeus. While only the foundations remain, the Temple of Apollo Patroos remains an important symbol of ancient Athenian religious and cultural life.

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