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Brauron
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Brauron, located on the eastern coast of Attica, was one of the most important cult sites for the goddess Artemis in the ancient world. The sanctuary was the center of a unique ritual where young girls between the ages of five and ten served as bears (Arktoi) to prepare for their later lives as wives and mothers. The archaeological site is situated in an idyllic marshy area near the Erasinos River, which led to frequent flooding that eventually contributed to the site's abandonment in the 3rd century BC. Among the best-preserved buildings is the unusual Pi-shaped Stoa from the 5th century BC, which once housed dining rooms and sleeping quarters for the girls. The nearby Archaeological Museum of Brauron displays an impressive collection of statues of the young Arktoi and valuable votive offerings that underscore the site's religious significance. Brauron is a rare site providing specific insights into the upbringing and social life of girls in ancient Greece.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Stoa of Artemis at Brauron · Παραλία Χαμολιά · Μικρή Χαμολιά
- Nearby: Artemida (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 58 | 53 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 29 | 49 | 69 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The archaeological site is open to visitors and can be explored both inside and outside. The sanctuary of Artemis and the surrounding ruins are accessible.
Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, in winter usually until 5:00 PM. Access may be restricted on holidays.
Photography
Photography for personal use is allowed throughout the site. The use of flash is not permitted near sensitive ruins.
Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a walk through the site and the small museum. If you want to explore the surrounding landscape, plan for 2 hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Archaeological Museum of Brauron. Brauron Beach is also just a short walk away.
Getting there
The site is located about 38 kilometers east of Athens and is best reached by car. There is a parking lot right at the entrance.
Insider tip
Visit the site early in the morning to enjoy the peace and fresh air. Bring a picnic, as there are few restaurants in the area.
Geography
Facts
- The Brauroneia festival was celebrated every four years with a procession from Athens.
- The Pi-shaped Stoa featured rooms equipped with beds for the young Arktoi.
- Artemis was worshipped here as the protector of women and childbirth.
- The Erasinos River frequently flooded the sanctuary with mud and silt.
- Statues of the girls often depict them holding small animals or fruit.
- Brauron was inhabited as early as the Neolithic and Mycenaean periods.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Brauron (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
To which deity was Brauron dedicated?
Brauron was an important sanctuary of the goddess Artemis, the protector of women and childbirth.
Who were the 'bears' of Brauron?
Young girls between 5 and 10 years old who were in the service of the goddess and performed ritual dances.
What is the architectural highlight on site?
The striking Doric colonnade (stoa), which has been partially reconstructed.
Is the museum of Brauron worth visiting?
Yes, it houses fascinating statues of the young 'bears' and votive offerings from antiquity.
How far is Brauron from Athens?
It is located about 38 kilometers east of Athens, near the airport and the coast of Loutsa.
Brauron: where is it located?
Brauron is located in Greece.
Brauron: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stoa of Artemis at Brauron, Παραλία Χαμολιά, Μικρή Χαμολιά.
Brauron: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Brauron: why is it worth visiting?
Brauron, located on the eastern coast of Attica, was one of the most important cult sites for the goddess Artemis in the ancient world.
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