Temple of Athena, Ancient Greek temple in Paestum, Italy
The Temple of Athena is an ancient Greek sanctuary in Paestum featuring both Doric and Ionic architectural elements constructed on an elevated artificial platform. The structure displays four Ionic columns across its front facade and includes a spacious entrance hall with additional supporting columns.
The sanctuary was built around 500 BC and originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. In the 8th century, it was converted into a church with walls constructed between its columns.
The temple was initially misidentified as a sanctuary of Ceres until terracotta statuettes depicting Athena revealed its true dedication. This discovery helped archaeologists understand the religious role this place held in the community.
The sanctuary sits at the highest point of the archaeological site and can be easily reached from the visitor center via a paved pathway. The elevated location allows visitors to view the structure from multiple angles and provides clear sightlines to surrounding ruins.
The sanctuary displays a rare combination of Doric and Ionic orders, with Doric friezes featuring metopes in sandstone alongside decorated Ionic column capitals. This unusual mixing of architectural styles was not typical in ancient Greek temple design.
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