Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Bassae 
An old photograph of the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, taken before restoration began. Source unknown.
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius (also spelled Apollo Epikourios; also known as Apollon Epikourion) is one of the largest and best-preserved temples in Greece. It was built in the Arcadian mountains in the 5th century BC by the same architect who designed the Parthenon. The temple remains largely intact, due in large part to its remote location. It had the oldest Corinthian capital ever found (before it was accidentally shattered) and remains notable for its unusual combination of the Corinthian, Ionic and Doric styles.
History
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius was built from 420 to 400 BC. It is thought to have been designed by Iktinos, the architect of the Parthenon. It was constructed (on top of an even older temple) by the inhabitants of Figalos in honour of Apollo after he saved them from a plague. Apollo was the Greek god of the sun and of healing; the title Epikourious means "helper."
The temple remained in isolation in the mountains until a French architect came upon it accidentally in 1765. The splendid marble freizes were acquired in 1814 by order of the future King George IV of England and transferred to the British Museum, where they remain today.
In 1902, the Archaeological Society of Athens began systematic archaeological research of the Bassae area. Excavations continued in 1959, 1970 and from 1975-1979. Research for the restoration of the temple was recently completed by the Committee of the Temple of Epicurean Apollo, and major conservation work is currently underway.
What to See
 The temple today, under a protective tent. Photo in the public domain. |
The entire temple is currently sheltered by a large tent, which protects the structure from the sometimes severe weather during restoration.
The temple is located on a raised area called the Bassai, meaning "little vale in the rocks." It is a Doric peripteral temple made from local limestone, orientated north to south (most temples are oriented east-west). It is partly modeled on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
In the cella was a column with the oldest Corinthian capital in the world. Unfortunately, it was mistakenly shattered during excavations so cannot be seen today, but a drawing of it survives.
The temple was decorated with a marble sculpted frieze depicting the battles between the Amazons and the Centaurs. Like the "Elgin Marbles" that were taken from the Parthenon, the marble friezes of this temple are now in the British Museum in London.
After looking around the temple, climb uphill northwest of the temple for a beautiful view overlooking the Nedhas River, Mt. Lykaeon, and, on a clear day, the Ionian Sea.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Bassae, 14 km (8 mi) south of Andritsena village, Elis Prefecture, Western Greece |
| Contact: | +30-26260-22254 |
| Hours: | Daily 8.30-5 |
| Cost: | €3 |
Location Map
A satellite view showing the location of Bessae. Zoom in (using buttons on the left) for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Explore all of Greece from space (on a much bigger image) with our Greece Satellite Map.
Getting There
There's no public transportation to Bassae: you'll need to rent a car or hire a local taxi or guide. The temple is off Route 76 and then up a one-lane road.
More Information
- Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae - UNESCO World Heritage List (added 1986)
- The Temple of Epicurean Apollo - Hellenic Ministry of Culture
- Reviews of the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae - World Heritage Sites
- Reviews of the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae - TripAdvisor
- Bassae, Temple of Apollo - Perseus Architecture
