Temple of Aphaia: Aegina's Architectural Jewel

Perched atop a 160-meter hill on the island of Aegina, the Temple of Aphaia is a captivating monument to ancient Greek architecture and mythology. Dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, who was later identified with Athena, the temple offers panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf and the surrounding island. The site has been a place of worship since the Late Bronze Age, with evidence of early goddess worship dating back to the 14th century BC. The current temple, constructed around 500 BC, was built over the remains of an earlier temple that was destroyed by fire. The temple is a Doric peripteral structure made of local limestone, with Parian marble used for the pediments. It features 6 columns on the short sides and 12 on the long sides, a departure from the elongated proportions of earlier Archaic temples. The temple was adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from the Trojan War, in which Aeginetan heroes played a prominent role. Many of these sculptures are now housed in the Glyptothek Museum in Munich. The Temple of Aphaia forms a sacred triangle with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. The temple's strategic location and architectural significance make it a remarkable testament to the rich history and culture of ancient Greece. Visitors can explore the temple ruins, wander through the surrounding pine forest, and visit the small archaeological museum on-site to learn more about the temple's history and significance.