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Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros: Echoes of Ancient Eretria

Explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros in Eretria, a historical landmark with layers of temples dating back to 800 BCE.

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Explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros in Eretria, a historical landmark dating back to the 6th century BC. Discover the remains of this once-grand Doric temple and delve into the rich history of the area.

A brief summary to Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archaeological site.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Eretria to see artifacts from the site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Eretria Ferry Terminal, head west along the main road, Eleftheriou Venizelou. Continue for approximately 500 meters until you reach the Archaeological Museum of Eretria. The Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros is located directly behind the museum, a short walk to the north. The path is well-marked and easily accessible. There are no entrance fees for the final approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Chalkis, take the local bus to Eretria. Buses depart regularly from the Chalkis bus station, located near the train station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Once in Eretria, disembark at the bus stop near the Eretria Ferry Terminal and follow the walking directions. A one-way bus ticket from Chalkis to Eretria costs around €3-€5. There are no additional costs for the final approach.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Chalkis, a taxi to the Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros in Eretria will take approximately 20 minutes. The taxi fare should be around €25. Ask the driver to take you to the Archaeological Museum of Eretria; the temple is located directly behind it. There are no additional costs for the final approach.

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Discover more about Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros

The Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros stands as Eretria's most significant monument, a testament to the city's historical importance as a religious center. Located north of the agora, this temple was the heart of the sacred temenos of Apollo. According to Greek mythology, Apollo chose this location in the Lelantine Plain while searching for a site for his oracle. The site reveals multiple layers of temples, with the earliest dating back to the Geometric period around 800 BCE. This initial structure was an apsidal hekatompedon, approximately 100 feet long with a rounded end. To the south stood another apsidal building, the Daphnephorion, considered Eretria's oldest structure, linked to the early worship of Apollo at Delphi. Clay bases found within the Daphnephorion suggest it may have been designed to mimic the early temple of Apollo at Delphi, a hut made of laurel branches. A second hecatompedon temple was built in the early 6th century BCE, featuring wooden columns. Construction of the most renowned temple began in the late 6th century BCE (520–490 BCE). This Doric peristyle temple, constructed from poros stone and marble, featured 6 x 14 columns, a prodomos (anteroom), and an opisthodomos (back section). The cella was divided into three naves by two interior colonnades. Though perhaps unfinished, the temple was destroyed by the Persians in 490 BCE, later repaired, and remained in use until it was again destroyed by the Romans in 198 BC. Today, only the foundations of the Post-Archaic temple are visible, along with remains of the Geometric temples. Fragmented sculptures from the temple, including depictions of the Amazonomachy, have been attributed to the Athenian sculptor Antenor.

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