Brauron, Ancient sanctuary in Markopoulo Mesogaias, Greece

Brauron is an ancient sanctuary in Markopoulo Mesogaias and includes a temple dedicated to Artemis, sacred springs, a stone bridge over the Erasinos River, and several ceremonial buildings. The site also holds a museum with finds from excavations, including pottery and votive offerings.

Cult activity at Brauron began in the 8th century BCE, and the temple of Artemis was built in the 6th century BCE. In the 420s BCE the sanctuary gained a Π-shaped stoa, a bridge and a rebuilt temple, works possibly linked to the plague that struck Athens. The unfortified site was abandoned in the 3rd century BCE amid tensions with Macedon, perhaps after a flood.

The site served as a place where young girls performed rituals and dedicated their childhood toys to Artemis before reaching adulthood. This practice made the sanctuary a key location for female transition ceremonies in the ancient Greek world.

The site is accessible to visitors during opening hours and offers paths to explore the different areas of the sanctuary. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, as the ground can be uneven and the terrain is sometimes wet.

The sanctuary sits on a low, water-rich spot, and the Greek source records that the temple of Artemis Brauronia is left to the weather: after heavy rain it turns into a pool. The same source blames bureaucracy and disagreement between the responsible bodies for the lack of care.