Temple of Poseidon

Cycle the coastal seaside  to the stupendous Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Attica peninsula.  The Temple  sits on a promontory overlooking the Aegean Sea with 360 degree views.   Built in 440 BC, the mighty temple has mesmerized many with its magnificence, including the British poet Lord Byron who carved his signature in one of the marble columns circa 1810.   Strategically situated, Cape Sounion enabled Athenians to control the sea passage to Piraeus port, as well as Lavrio whose silver mines were responsible for Athens’ superpower status which was emerging in the 5th century BC.

The Temple of Poseidon is a relatively small archaeology site.  You could take one hour exploring every inch of its grounds.  There’s a Temple of Athena across the road, but most folks just spend about 20-30 minutes admiring the panoramic view and the elegant marble columns.

In Greek mythology Sounion is where King Aegeus threw himself into the sea when he saw black sails on his son Theseus’ ship.  Theseus had agreed to raise a white sail to indicate he killed the Minotaur of Crete but he forgot and this caused the King to jump to his death from the promontory of Sounion.  The Aegean Sea is named for him.