Background

Temple of Artemis at Brauron: Sanctuary of the She-Bears

Discover the ancient Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron, where young Athenian girls honored the goddess of the hunt and wilderness through unique rituals.

4.8

Explore the evocative ruins of the Temple of Artemis at Brauron, an ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. Located near the Aegean Sea, this site was a significant center for the worship of Artemis, particularly by young Athenian girls undergoing rites of passage.

A brief summary to Temple of Artemis at Brauron

  • Βραυρώνα, 190 03, GR

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site has uneven terrain.
  • Visit in the spring or early autumn for the best weather.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Brauron.
  • Check the bus schedule in advance if using public transportation.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Athens International Airport (ATH), take the Metro Line 3 to Nomismatokopio station. From there, transfer to bus 304 towards Artemida. The final bus stop is a short walk from the museum and the site. A single ticket for the metro and bus costs approximately €4.

  • Car

    From Athens, head towards the Attiki Odos (E94) expressway. Follow the signs towards Markopoulo and take exit 14 towards Markopoulo. Continue on the E94 for approximately 20 km. After passing through Markopoulo, follow the signs to Brauron (Βραυρώνα). Parking is available near the site. Check for any parking fees.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Athens Airport (ATH) to the Temple of Artemis at Brauron takes approximately 33 minutes and costs between €30 and €45. Alternatively, a taxi from the center of Athens will cost €4-€6.

Unlock the Best of Temple of Artemis at Brauron

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Temple of Artemis at Brauron

The Temple of Artemis at Brauron, also known as Vravrona, is an ancient sanctuary located on the eastern coast of Attica, near the Aegean Sea. This sacred site was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. The sanctuary was a significant religious center from the 8th to the 3rd century BCE. According to mythology, Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, became a priestess of Artemis here after narrowly escaping sacrifice. Brauron was one of the twelve cities of ancient Attica. The site features the remains of a Doric temple built in the 5th century BC, a Π-shaped stoa (colonnaded courtyard) used for ritual gatherings, a stone bridge, cave shrines, and a sacred spring. The temple was abandoned in the 3rd century BCE due to unrest and river overflow. Excavations in the mid-20th century unearthed numerous artifacts, including statues of young girls, pottery, jewelry and other items dedicated to the goddess. One of the most unique aspects of the sanctuary was the Arkteia festival, celebrated every four years. During this festival, young Athenian girls, known as "arktoi" or she-bears, participated in sacred dances, wore saffron robes, ran races, and made sacrifices to Artemis, marking their transition to womanhood. The Archaeological Museum of Brauron, located 350 meters from the site, houses many of these artifacts.

Popular Experiences near Temple of Artemis at Brauron

Popular Hotels near Temple of Artemis at Brauron

Select Currency