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Temple of Hephaestus, Athens

4.8

#3 of 66 in Historic Sites in Athens

Ruin Religious Site

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Little changed in the two millennia since its completion, making Temple of Hephaestus recognizable to many on the northwestern corner of Athens' centrally located ancient agora. Dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths, the Doric temple once stood in the middle of a busy area housing foundries and metalwork shops. Built around 450 BCE of marble carried here from a nearby mountain, the temple features 34 columns and an Ionic frieze portraying the mythical twelve labors of Heracles (Hercules). Christians converted the temple into a church in the 7th century and held services inside until 1833. To gain a better understanding of the ancient world's everyday life, take a guided tour of the temple and the surrounding archeological site. Before you visit Athens, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

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Temple of Hephaestus Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4,381 reviews

Google

4.8

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4.8

287 likes

• By alainbY7998FA

  Définitivement à voir. Ce tremble bâtit 400 ans BC demeure en excellent état. Il est relativement peu fréquenté si on compare avec l’Acropole ce qui est fait une visite de choix plus tard en journée.  more »

  Definitely to see. This aspen builds 400 years BC remains in excellent condition. It is relatively uncrowded when compared with the Acropolis which is made a visit of choice later in the day.
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• By 99ashleighc

  We really loved our visit. The whole ancient agora and temple is incredble! Best later afternoon early evening due to the heat, but the setting sun makes everything look even more beautiful.  more »

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Google

• By Tina Firlej

  Beautifully preserved temple of Hephaestus. Unlike other temples that had to be restored by archaeologists, this one remained as built. Amazing piece of history. You can walk around it fairly close. It's a shame you can't go inside, but understandable.

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• By Shane McClain

  Definitely a must see. Probably the most intact temple I've seen all across Greece. Also Hephaestus was the grunt of the gods putting in the real work. So you have to come to appreciate the guy. He freaking crafted Zeus's lightning bolt after all.

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