Temple visits in Greece

The 12 Best Greek Temples To Visit

• Temple of Hephaistos at Athens. The Hephaestion in Athens (source). ...
• Temple of Apollo at Didyma. One of the column-bases at Didyma (source). ...
• Temple of Apollo at Delphi. ...
• Temple of Apollo at Bassae. ...
• Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. ...
• Temple of Apollo at Cumae. ...
• Temple of Hera at Selinunte. ...
• Temple of Aphaia at Aegina.

1. Can you visit Greek temples?
2. Is a very famous temple in Greece?
3. What happened to all the temples in Greece?
4. Does the Temple of Zeus still exist?
5. What was inside Greek temples?
6. Do people still worship Greek gods?
7. What is the oldest Greek temple?
8. Who was the most important Greek god?
9. Where did dead Greeks go?
10. Why did they build Greek temples?
11. Why were Greek temples built on hills?
12. Did Greek temples have roofs?

Can you visit Greek temples?

Undeniably the most famous of ancient Greek temples, the Parthenon, dedicated to goddess Athena and perched on top of the Acropolis in Athens, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. ... Don't miss the chance to see it the next time you visit the Greek capital.

Is a very famous temple in Greece?

The Parthenon on top of the Acropolis is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece and a visit to Athens is not complete without visiting this temple. The construction of the Parthenon started in in 447 BC, replacing and older temple that was destroyed by the Persians, and completed in 432 BC.

What happened to all the temples in Greece?

In the late Hellenistic period, their decreasing financial wealth, along with the progressive incorporation of the Greek world within the Roman state, whose officials and rulers took over as sponsors, led to the end of Greek temple construction.

Does the Temple of Zeus still exist?

Olympia Temple of Zeus: The ruined Temple of Zeus that stands today in the archaeological site of Olympia was built to honor the chief of the gods. It was probably constructed at around 470 B.C when the ancient Olympic Games were at their peak.

What was inside Greek temples?

Inside the temple was an inner chamber that housed the statue of the god or goddess of the temple. ... The inner chamber contained a large gold and ivory statue of Athena. Other Buildings. Besides temples, the Greeks built numerous other types of public buildings and structures.

Do people still worship Greek gods?

Originating in and practiced in Greece, and in other countries, however, to a lesser extent, Hellenic polytheism – although the exact nomenclature is still uncertain, the religion is often referred to as Hellenism – is on the rise. ...

What is the oldest Greek temple?

There are three well preserved Greek temples in Paestum. The Temple of Hera is the oldest temple in Paestum that was built around 550 BC by Greek colonists. A century later another temple was built nearby and it was also dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage and childbirth.

Who was the most important Greek god?

Zeus – King of the Gods. It is not surprising that Zeus, father and king of the Olympian gods, should be one of the most important deities for the Greeks. Zeus was an ancient god who had the most far-reaching sphere of influence. The name 'Zeus' derives from the Indo-European word for day and sky.

Where did dead Greeks go?

In mythology, the Greek underworld is an otherworld where souls go after death. The original Greek idea of afterlife is that, at the moment of death, the soul is separated from the corpse, taking on the shape of the former person, and is transported to the entrance of the underworld.

Why did they build Greek temples?

Ancient Greek temples were built in order to house the many sculptures of the various deities. ... The architecture of the temples reflected the respect and deference that the ancient Greeks had for their pantheon of Gods.

Why were Greek temples built on hills?

Acropolis means 'high city' in Greek. Most city-states in ancient Greece had at their centre a rocky mound or hill where they built their important temples and where the people could retreat to if under attack. ... This temple was built for the goddess Athena.

Did Greek temples have roofs?

Ancient Greek Temple Roofs

They were simple gable roofs with one long ridge. ... Therefore, the largest temples, such as the Temple of Zeus, had marble roofing tiles. The triangular gable on ancient Greek buildings is called the pediment. In ancient Greek architecture, the roof pediment was used for decoration.