Bassae, Archaeological site at Phigalia, Greece
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius sits on Mount Kotylion at about 1,131 meters elevation and was built from grey Arcadian limestone. The structure spreads across the hillside with the inner sanctuary as the central element, surrounded by columned halls and rooms that reveal its original purpose as a place of worship.
The site was founded in the late eighth century BCE by people from Phigalia, and the temple itself was designed by architect Ictinus around 420 BCE. This development shows how the location remained an important religious place across several centuries.
The temple displays a mix of architectural styles you can see as you walk through: Doric columns on the outside, Ionic columns inside, and a Corinthian column in the inner chamber. This variety makes the place a rare example where different Greek building styles stand side by side.
The site sits on a mountain slope, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially on hot days. Access is straightforward, but the terrain is uneven, and there is limited shade during your visit.
The temple has an unusual north-south alignment instead of the typical east-west direction of other Greek temples, forced by the steep mountain location. This adaptation to the terrain is a rare feature that shows how ancient builders worked with natural constraints.
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