Visit to Temple of Hephaestus in Athens Greece

Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, though in ruins, looked more complete compared to Parthenon. It was built two years prior to Parthenon in 449 BC. This one is made out of marble completely; and to me the pillars looked grand and strong enough for many more centuries. It gives a fairly good idea of Parthenon’s form had it been complete.

Temple of Hephaestus Athens

Ancient use of Hephaestus Temple

This temple is believed to have been dedicated to Athena and Hephaestus. Hephaestus is the Greek God for volcanoes and metal working. He was the son of Zeus and Hera. He was revered as a God of blacksmiths, metallurgy, and craftsmen.

(This sounds so similar to beliefs in Hinduism. Vishvakarma is Hindu God believed to be divine engineer. He was also the blacksmith of the gods, which was important job.)

Athena Ergena, a form of their goddess Athena, is responsible for pottery and other crafts.

But again like other temples this Temple of Hephaestus too played the role of place of worship to other religions. In 7th century it got converted to Church of St. George Akamas. In early 19th century this became the burial ground for Protestants and for many who died in Greek war of independence in 1821. After 1834 this got converted to a museum till 1930s, since then it is in its present state and I like it a lot this way.

Temple of Hephaestus Athens Greece

Temple of Hephaestus Athens Greece

Best preserved ancient Temple of Hephaestus

Which is the best preserved temple of Athens?

Temple of Hephaestus is the best preserved temple I saw in Athens and liked it more after seeing the sad state Parthenon was in. It remains in almost the same way it was built. One can get a fairly good idea of the first ancient forms of architecture in the Western tradition.

The interior is out of bounds for public. There were huge statues of Athena and Hephaestus, but now it is empty. The walls have well preserved engravings and sculptures with different themes in all four sides. The columns are grooved and they seemed sliced, stacked one upon another.

horizontal element frieze

Above the columns is the horizontal element frieze. Frieze on the east front of the Temple, facing the Ancient Agora has sculptures depicting the labors of Hercules. Friezes of this temple depict scenes from ancient Roman stories. Observe carefully to spot the twelve labors of Hercules, the battle and fall of Troy, and an unidentified battle scene.

I have tried to capture this grand monument from various angles; the light was good that day thankfully!

Temple of Hephaestus Athens

Location of Hephaestus Temple

This located within the Agora complex. You don’t need separate tickets to see this monument. Agora once formed a very important part of Athens. Read more:
Agora and Other Archaeological Sites of Athens.

Agora the Market Place and Ancient City of Athens
Parthenon Temple on Acropolis Athens Greece: Interesting Facts

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