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. Plan a Athens trip in moments using our itinerary builder.
Tours to Temple of Hephaestus
Temple of Hephaestus reviews
-
This is part of the Ancient Agora archeological site. The temple can be seen as soon you enter the Ancient Agora. It is still in good shape compared to the other temple in Athens The temple is...
This is part of the Ancient Agora archeological site. The temple can be seen as soon you enter the Ancient Agora. It is still in good shape compared to the other temple in Athens The temple is... more »
-
I know it's a bit blasphemous, but I think I enjoyed visiting this site more than the Parthenon up on the hill! There's more to this site than the Acropolis, and it's closer together but also more...
I know it's a bit blasphemous, but I think I enjoyed visiting this site more than the Parthenon up on the hill! There's more to this site than the Acropolis, and it's closer together but also more... more »
-
My favourite place in Athens. A 2500 year old temple that still stands! The history is just so great ans the architecture and design so influential and beautiful.
-
Stunning! Had the opportunity to visit this temple in December 2021. There was hardly any crowd this time of the year. The size of the temple is astonishing and makes you feel small. The attention to details is amazing!
Plan your trip to Athens
best routes and schedules
