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.
The sanctuary emerged as an important religious site and remained central to Artemis worship through the 6th century BCE. Its significance was closely tied to Athens' rise and the formation of the Athenian state.
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 temple grounds flood during heavy rains and form a temporary lake. This natural occurrence reveals a connection between water and the sanctuary that echoes the ceremonial role water once played in ancient rituals.
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