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Temple of Hephaestus

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Temple of Hephaestus (Greece)

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The Temple of Hephaestus, also known as the Hephaisteion, is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world. It is located on the northwestern edge of the Ancient Agora of Athens on the Agoraios Kolonos hill. Built between 449 and 415 BC, the temple is a classic example of the Doric order and was constructed using precious Pentelic marble. It was dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of metalworking, and Athena Ergane, the patroness of crafts, which was particularly appropriate as the surrounding area was a hub for metalworkers and potters. The reason the temple remains so remarkably intact today is largely due to its conversion into a Christian church (St. George) from the 7th century until 1834. The temple's metopes depict the labors of Hercules and the exploits of Theseus, which led to it being incorrectly called the 'Theseion' in the past. Today, visitors can admire the impressive architecture, which has preserved almost all its columns, pediments, and even parts of the roof, making it an essential subject of study for classical Greek architecture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91012152025282724191511
Rain mm66585330212012829496986

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora of Athens is one of the best-preserved Greek temples and can be viewed from the outside. Entry to the Agora requires a ticket, and the temple is part of the site.
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Typical hours
The Agora is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 (summer) or until 17:00 (winter). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Holidays may vary.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the Agora site. Tripods require a permit, but hand-held shots are fine.
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Time needed
Exploring the Agora takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with the temple as a highlight. If you also visit the adjacent museum, allow 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Acropolis and Hadrian's Arch. The Kerameikos cemetery and Roman Agora are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The Agora is in central Athens at the foot of the Acropolis. Reach it by metro (Thissio or Monastiraki station) or on foot from Syntagma Square.
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Insider tip
Visit the temple in the late afternoon when the light beautifully illuminates the columns. Combine with the Acropolis Museum, which displays many finds from the Agora.

Geography

Coordinates
37.97560, 23.72140

Facts

  • The architect of the temple was likely the same person who designed the Temple of Ares.
  • The temple features 6 columns on the narrow sides and 13 on the long sides.
  • In 1834, the temple served as the first location for the National Archaeological Museum.
  • The bronze statues of Hephaestus and Athena that stood inside have unfortunately been lost.
  • It is one of the few ancient temples to retain a large portion of its original ceiling.
  • The Agoraios Kolonos hill offers an outstanding view of the Acropolis.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ancient Agora of AthensAncient Agora of Athens<1 km · SEExplore →
National Archaeological MuseumNational Archaeological Museum2 km · NEExplore →
Panathenaic StadiumPanathenaic Stadium2 km · SEExplore →
Nea SmyrniNea Smyrni4 km · SExplore →
ZografouZografou4 km · EExplore →
MoschatoMoschato4 km · SWExplore →
South AthensSouth Athens5 km · SWExplore →
PeristeriPeristeri5 km · NWExplore →

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 Temple of Hephaestus (9)

Temple of Hephaestus

Well-preserved Doric temple from the 5th century BC in the Athenian Agora.

Arsenal

Ruins of a building in the ancient Agora, used as a weapons store.

New Bouleuterion

Council chamber of the Boule (the Athenian senate) in the Agora.

Temple of Apollo Patroos

Temple of Apollo Patroos, the mythical ancestor of the Athenians, in the Agora.

Great Drain

Large ancient drainage channel running beneath the Agora.

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Monument of the Eponymous Heroes

Base with statues of the ten tribal heroes of Athens, used for public notices.

Odeon of Agrippa

Large covered theatre for musical performances in the Athenian Agora.

Herakleidon Museum (Annex - Now closed)🏛 museum

Former museum of ancient Greek technology and art, currently closed.

Hole in the ground

Undefined archaeological pit within the ancient Agora area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the temple located?
It stands on the Agoraios Kolonos hill at the northwestern edge of the Ancient Agora of Athens.
Why is this temple so well preserved?
From the 7th century until 1834, it served as a Christian church, which protected it from destruction.
Do I need a separate ticket for this temple?
No, entry is included in the regular ticket for the Ancient Agora or the Athens combined ticket.
Is there shade there?
Yes, the surrounding area of the Agora is wooded and provides more shade than the Acropolis plateau.
What do the temple friezes depict?
The reliefs depict the deeds of Heracles and Theseus, which is why it was previously wrongly called the Theseion.
Temple of Hephaestus: where is it located?
Temple of Hephaestus is located in Greece.
Temple of Hephaestus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Temple of Hephaestus, Arsenal, New Bouleuterion.
Temple of Hephaestus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Temple of Hephaestus: why is it worth visiting?
The Temple of Hephaestus, also known as the Hephaisteion, is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world.
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