Summary

  • The Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in Greece, located outside the Acropolis of Athens.
  • The temple dates back to 449 BC and was later converted into a church for around a thousand years before becoming a museum.
  • Visitors can easily access the temple and other archaeological sites of Athens by foot, with nearby metro stations and combo tickets available for a comprehensive experience.

The Temple of Hephaestus is perhaps the best preserved ancient Greek temple found in modern Greece. It is set on a hill on the western edge of an ancient Greek Agora (and its rebuilt portions). Not all the Greek temples and ruins in Athens are found in the famous Acropolis of Athens, despite its long and interesting history.

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For two and a half thousand years, people have come from far and wide and have been overawed by the beauty of the Temple of Hephaestus. Today it is beautifully set among the trees, outside the acropolis, and is worth a visit.

UPDATE: 2023/1/18 14:58 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Explore The Temple Of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved Greek temple that travelers can visit today. This article has been updated with more information and up-to-date links on visiting all the sights around Athens.

The History Of Hephaestus In Athens & How It Managed To Survive 2,500 Years

The Temple of Hephaestus dates back to the rebuilding of Athens after the defeat of the Persians

Ancient Agora of Athens
Shutterstock
Ancient Agora of Athens

Athens was burned and razed to the ground by the Persians following their victory over the Greeks at the Battle of Thermopylae (visitors can still see the original site of the Battle of Thermopylae, where the 300 Spartans were immortalized).

Eventually, the Greeks prevailed, and after the eventual defeat of the Persians, Athens prospered, and construction started on the temple in 449 BC; this was the golden age of Classical Athens. It was likely finished around 415 BC. One of the main architects was Iktinus (who also worked on designing the Parthenon).

  • Built: From 449 BC

Like the famous Parthenon on the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus managed to survive the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity by being converted into a church.

Many of the old pagan temples were destroyed during the Christianization of Rome. It functioned as a church for around a thousand years, from the 7th century to 1834. During that time, it was dedicated to Saint George Akamatus. In 1834, the king of Greece ordered it to be made into a museum.

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Hephaestus Temple Facts: This Ancient Site In Athens Is Dedicated To The God Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus was an important part of the ancient religion of Athens and the worship of the gods

Temple of Hephaestus and Acropolis hill at the background
Shutterstock
 Temple of Hephaestus and Acropolis hill at the background
  • The Temple of Hephaestus is dedicated to the god Hephaestus and the goddess Athena.
  • Hephaestus was the Greek god of craftspeople like carpenters, artisans, sculptors, metalworking, and blacksmiths

The Temple of Hephaestus is unsurprisingly dedicated to the god Hephaestus and the goddess Athena (because, of course, the Athenians couldn't help themselves to include Athena). Hephaestus was the Greek god of craftspeople like carpenters, artisans, sculptors, metalworking, blacksmiths, and other similar professions.

The Roman counterpart to Hephaestus is Vulcan, not to be confused with the Star Trek world of Stoic, pointy-eared, logical people. Fortunately, it seems the Temple of Vulcan/Hephaestus has indeed lived long and prospered.

Hephaestus was the son of Zeus and Hera (or Hera's parthenogenic son). He was "lame" and was thrown off Mount Olympus (where the gods resided). Hephaestus later returned to Mount Olympus, and he made all the weapons of the gods of Olympus. His symbols are a Smith's hammer, anvil, and tongs (Marvel's Thor isn't the only hammer-wielding god).

Mount Olympus is a real mountain and is one of the most rewarding places to explore in Greece today.

Why The Temple Of Hephaestus Is One Of The Top Attractions In Athens

The Temple of Hephaestus is perhaps ancient Athens' greatest attraction not located on the acropolis

Temple of Hephaestus Theseion in Athens, Greece
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Temple of Hephaestus Theseion in Athens, Greece

The temple was constructed in the classic Dorian style. It has six columns on the shorter east and west sides and 13 columns on the temple's northern and southern sides. It was built from Pentelic marble. The sculptures depict the labors of Hercules, the battle of Theseus, and the fall of Troy (Troy has been discovered, and people can visit it today).

It was built on top of Agoreos Korons hill, a short distance from Acropolis and Monastiraki, right above the Ancient Agora.

How Does Greece Continue To Preserve The Temple Of Hephaestus?

Modern Greece is careful to preserve the Temple of Hephaestus and its other ancient monuments

A view of Filopappou Hill, Athens, Greece
Via: Unsplash
A view of Filopappou Hill, Athens, Greece

For those curious about how the Temple of Hephaestus continues to be kept in shape, this comes down to revenue from tours, guests, and donations. Because this structure was able to survive centuries of constant change in the country, it shocks visitors how well it looks to this day.

However, the constant upkeep of this sacred attraction is expensive and comes at the cost of Greek citizens most of the time. The country has deemed this an ancient monument, which cannot under any circumstance be modified, sold, or changed by anyone. Think of it as a gem that cannot be touched in any way besides upkeep and repairs.

  • This location is publicly funded and is deemed an ancient monument by Greece.
  • Patrons and generous donors are responsible for its impeccable condition.

It's also the site of archaeological research, which is how much of what people know today was discovered. If this had not been turned into a church back in the 7th century, it would have likely been destroyed and ended up like many of the other monumental sites in Greece.

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What To Know About Planning A Visit To The Temple Of Hephaestus Today

The Temple of Hephaestus is open to the public and very much worth visiting

Ancient theater in Acropolis Greece, Athens
Deposit Photos: Maugli
Ancient theater in Acropolis Greece, Athens

The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the top attractions of Athens today and should be on anyone's bucket list (not least because it is the best preserved ancient Greek temple in Greece).

The temple is easily accessible by foot for those exploring the archeological sites of Athens. The nearest metro stations are Thissio and Monastiraki (both of which are within a 10-minute walk). It is around a 15 to 30-minute walk to get from the Acropolis to the Temple of Hephaestus.

Access to the temple is included in the Agora ticket. A combo ticket is valid for five days and includes access to the Temple of Hephaestus, the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Museum of Ancient Agora, and a number of other museums and archeological sites.

To learn the most about the temple and the Agora, consider taking a guided tour for a deep dive.

  • Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm (hours vary seasonally)
  • Admission Fee: 10 Euros (about USD $11) - For The Agora ticket (Temple of Hephaestus tickets are included)

People can purchase the tickets online or at the ticket offices on-site. Visitors can also enter the archeological sites for free on the first Sunday of every month from November to March and on a range of holidays in Greece.