Temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae, Ancient temple in Bassae, Greece
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius sits on a steep mountainside at about 1,130 meters (3,700 feet) elevation in the highlands between Elis, Arcadia, and Messenia. The structure combines Doric and Ionic architectural elements and features an unusual north-south orientation rather than the traditional east-west direction.
Construction took place between 450 and 400 BCE under architect Ictinus, who was renowned for designing classical Greek structures. The temple emerged during a period when Greeks sought to honor the gods through magnificent sanctuaries.
The temple was dedicated to Apollo, whom local people called upon for protection from illness and disease. People traveled to this remote location seeking healing and divine guidance.
The temple sits roughly 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Andritsaina in a remote mountain location that requires careful planning to reach. The journey is challenging due to the elevation and limited transportation, so visitors should prepare well in advance.
The interior featured a frieze depicting battles between Greeks and Amazons, a motif that symbolized conflicts between civilized and wild peoples in ancient art. This remarkable decoration reflects the artistic expression of the classical Greek period.
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