Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae of Phigaleia image

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae of Phigaleia

Historical landmark

One of the Best Places To Visits in Skliros


Address

Figaleia 270 61, Greece

Website

apollotemple.ilia-olympia.org

Contact

+30 2626 022275

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 3:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: temple (22) preserved (9) restoration (8) visit (8) mountain (8) site (7) Greece (7) tent (7) worth (7) ancient (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Sara N. 2 years ago on Google
    It is an incompleted site, I think that in few years will be the second archeological landmark of Greece. Right now it's a factory, they are trying to rebuild the temple, so that it will be more stable also to events like an earthquake. For now you will find it covered in a massive tent like a circus, so you really can not appreciate the real beauty, but it will shine soon I think. If you come after November it is half the price. It will be interesting to come in few years to see the status of the restoration.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom Steiner (. 9 months ago on Google
    a real "must see"! The journey to this unique temple is definitely worth it. The temple has been under restoration for some time and is covered in a large tent for protection, but this does not take away from the wow effect, on the contrary, we found that it somehow even gave it a very special atmosphere to see this wonderful historical building in front of you after entering the tent.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Victoria I. 7 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Of course, you should visit this temple if you are resting nearby and if you are interested in ancient architecture. Only if you want to personally view this temple. It is covered with a tent protecting it from destruction, since The temple was constructed entirely out of grey Arcadian limestone and all these years there has been reconstruction. admission is 6 euros.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TheEvdriver 1 year ago on Google • 829 reviews
    The next destination is the mountain nest Bassae, 65 km away, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route there runs over small, winding mountain roads and passes with great views, but takes almost 2 hours. When we arrive in the mountain solitude at 1130m above sea level, we are presented with a bizarre sight. The unusually elongated temple of Epicurus Apollon, with 6x15 columns, is packed like a Christo art object. The magnificent building from the 5th century BC. is exceptionally well preserved but in danger of collapsing. Therefore, at the end of the 1980s, there was no hesitation and the whole thing was put into a supporting skeleton and packed weatherproof. The restoration work continues to this day. Here 3 different ancient architectural styles are said to be found and the first chapter of building history. The complex is surrounded by the remains of a small settlement in which cyclamen seem to love.

  • 5/5 Filippos S. 8 months ago on Google
    One of the mosrlt interesting ancient places in Greece. Must be visited even it's quite far away from anywhere.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John D. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best preserved temples of Ancient Greece. It's remote setting (in beautiful Arcadia) allowed this temple to last through the centuries, out of the way of various occupiers over the ages. It is currently inside a structure to protect it from the elements and allow for ongoing excavation / restoration. Really a must see on a tour of Classic Greece.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G M. 5 months ago on Google • 135 reviews
    Getting to this site can be challenging on your own but it is worth the trip. It is an UNESCO heritage site and whilst it is being preserved a huge tent has been constructed to cover it. This in itself is an amazing if feat. There are archeologists working there constantly and it is fascinating to see the video explaining the site. Well worth the effort, an amazing place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 emnezia e. 1 year ago on Google • 35 reviews
    Can't describe the feeling of seeing the temple. It's a unique monument, under UNESCO protection. That describes the importance. You can't find monument so well preserved. MUST visit. Totally worth it
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Loes H. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful temple set in a dramatic landscape of rocky mountains, deep gorges and cliffside villages. Worth the visit, even if it is just for the serpentine drive up to it!!! The temple itself is beautifully preserved and gives the visitor a good idea of the grandness of other temples scattered around the Peloppenese. Not a lot of on-site information though. We were hesitant to visit at first because we had read reviews that said the road to the temple was difficult to navigate. However, glad we went because the roads were pretty good (especially considering other roads in Greece!!). They were broad, well-paved and safe so that we could enjoy the views of the valleys and peaks!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marcus L. 9 months ago on Google
    Once done with remedying the sinking steps and columns, the tent needs to come off. Signed ...former classical archaeologist.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow, this one feels real. Not as the often over- restored temples (like the Parthenon in Athens), where you can't tell which parts are original and which have been added, where you don't know which stones are real and which are modern concrete. Here you can see the beauty, weakness and fragility of a real, well preserved 2500 years old temple (and get a first hand look at the ongoing restoration work).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick C. 3 years ago on Google
    Majestic. The famous Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae was built towards the middle of the 5th century B.C. in the lonely heights of the Arcadian mountains. It is one of the best-preserved monuments of classical antiquity and an evocative and poignant testament to classical Greek architecture. The temple appears to have been forgotten for almost 1700 years until it was rediscovered in the 18th century.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy Z. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a jewel, the temple stands in a remote area (visited by car), in a wonderful setting! Although it is covered in a giant tent, this rather gives it a more interesting and eerie look and feeling. Plus you will see the restoration works in situ and on an on site Video film. Worth a visit with neighbouring Andritsaina mountain village, where you can eat or linger around after visiting the archeological site.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 H F. 10 months ago on Google • 250 reviews
    One of the best preserved places you will ever see. While the drive is a bit long and has a few curves, you will be really impressed with the structure.

  • 5/5 Claire M. 6 months ago on Google • 236 reviews
    Well worth the windy mountain roads to get here. Seeing it so close and still mostly standing is a must for any lover of ancient history.

  • 4/5 manos p. 1 year ago on Google • 226 reviews
    The Temple of Epicurius Apollo built at the end of the 5th century BC (420-400) is the work of the architect of the Parthenon Iktinos and dedicated to the God Apollo.Entrance €=6, reduced ticket €=3. The Church is a pavilion, a six-star, Doric order. One of its many peculiar features is that on the long sides it has 15 columns (and not 13, as one would expect based on the normal for the time ratio, which wants the long sides to have twice the number of columns than the narrow ones plus one). Apart from the Doric style external colonnade, elements of the other two styles, the Ionic and the Corinthian, coexist in the architecture of the temple. The three styles of ancient Greek architecture were combined in such a masterful way that the Temple of Apollo Epicurius was considered one of the most important ancient temples. We hope that at some point the restoration and maintenance works of the Church will be completed because the image it has been presenting for several years degrades and does NOT highlight this excellent work.

  • 5/5 Nikolina L. 5 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    This temple is one of the best preserved temples in Greece. It is covered in order to protect from the rain and sun. The magnificence and beauty of this temple are incredible. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Ivanka M. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a curious experience to have a sunbathing in the morning and to have a chill afternoon at the temple of Apollo ;))) The place is an amazing one but if you want to visit it you need to consider your time and gas tank. The temple of Apollo near Bassae is pretty much isolated.... to visited it passing through village of Neda. The road is a mountain one... and the were places where there weren't any asphalt coverage. We came back through a road via Nea Fegaleia... and we managed to find a main road to Sparti almost on 40 km from Pirgos.

  • 4/5 Vangelis K. 2 years ago on Google
    Worth the drive, amazing what people were able to built so, so many centuries ago.

  • 5/5 J. David H. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been to this place twice, and it's very worth the schlep up the mountain. You'll have to dodge some goats on the narrow, often terrifying mountain roads, and it's usually raining/misting. Important: fill up your car with fuel before you head up, as there are NO gas stations anywhere near, and very few cell phone towers to call for help.

  • 5/5 Natalya R. 2 years ago on Google
    Must visit place in Greece, one of the best examples of ancient architecture, picturesque location in mountains, rich history and impressive park territory

  • 5/5 Evelyn M. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful temple which has been preserved amazingly given that it was built in 5th century BC. It's a hidden gem that is still an active preservation site and is worth a visit as it exhibits all 3 classical architectural styles - Doric, Ionian and Corinthian. There are information panels as well as a video that talks about the history of the temple and the restoration. Unfortunately, the British plundered the Ionian frieze from this monument too and display it in the British museum. #returnthemarbles #bringthemback


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