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20 Breathtaking Greek Buildings: Ancient Wonders Still Standing Today

Greece, the birthplace of civilization, is a showcase for magnificent architecture, with a vast history of timeless buildings that continue to amaze. Come along with me as I take you on a historical tour of 20 magnificent Greek structures that are still standing examples of ancient engineering marvels. From the famous Parthenon to the enigmatic Temple of Apollo, every building conveys a millennium-spanning tale of artistry, invention, and cultural significance. Come on a fascinating journey through the architectural wonders of Greece, where the past and contemporary coexist together.

1 Parthenon

The Parthenon. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Parthenon, perched atop the Athenian Acropolis, is a magnificent representation of the cultural and architectural might of ancient Greece. Built in honour of Athena Parthenos, the city’s patron goddess, between 447 and 432 BCE. The Parthenon, which was created by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates and has sculptures by Phidias decorating it, is a prime example of the Doric order’s precise architecture and elegant proportions.

Its structural integrity and classical beauty endure despite centuries of battles, earthquakes, and pillage. The Parthenon is distinguished by its complex friezes that tell legendary stories, fluted columns, and a rectangular floor layout. Greece’s Parthenon is a timeless example of its innovative architecture and long cultural legacy. It is a beacon of democracy and artistic excellence.

2 The Temple of Hephaestus

The Hephaisteion, or Temple of Hephaestus, is a testimony to the grace and symmetry of classical Greek architecture. Constructed above Athens’ Agoraios Kolonos Hill, it was devoted to the patron goddess of artisans, Athena Ergane, and the deity of blacksmiths and craftsmanship, Hephaestus. Built-in 450 BCE, with six columns on each façade, it is a prime example of the peripheral hexastyle architecture that characterises the Doric order. The Hephaisteion stands out from other ancient Greek temples due to its exceptional level of preservation. Its massive columns, finely carved metopes, and intact friezes provide insights into the religious and architectural customs of classical Athens. Its ageless beauty and the craftsmanship that has lasted for more than two millennia astound visitors.

3 Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Situated high above Athens, Greece, the Acropolis of Athens is a massive fortress that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is dominated by the famous Parthenon, which represents democracy and ancient Greek civilization. The Parthenon, built in the 5th century BCE, was devoted to the patron goddess of the city, Athena. The Propylaea, the main entrance gate, and the Erechtheion, a temple to Athena and Poseidon, are two more noteworthy buildings on the Acropolis. Athens’ religious and cultural hub, the Acropolis, was the site of festivals, rites, and holy events. Attracting millions of tourists each year, it continues to stand as a tribute to the artistic and architectural prowess of ancient Greece.

4 Mystras

The palace of Mystras. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Greece’s Peloponnese region is home to the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, which is close to the town of Sparti. During the Middle Ages, Mystras, a walled town and Byzantine stronghold, was founded in the thirteenth century. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it peaked and developed as a hub for learning, culture, and the arts.

The location offers tourists a window into the magnificence of the Byzantine Empire with its well-preserved Byzantine buildings, monasteries, palaces, and defences. A few of the places worth seeing are the Monastery of Peribleptos, the Church of Pantanassa, the Church of Hagia Sophia, and the Palace of the Despots. History buffs and lovers of architecture should not miss Mystras because of its breathtaking hillside location, which offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

5 The Erechtheion

The Erechtheum Acropolis. , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Erechtheion is a magnificent example of ancient Greek architecture that combines legendary significance with exquisite design. This temple, which was built between 421 and 406 BCE, honours several gods, including Poseidon-Erechtheus and Athena Polias. One of its most famous features is the Porch of the Maidens, which has six Caryatids—delicately carved female statues that act as columns. The Porch of the Maidens, located on the east side of the temple, faces the rising sun and features graceful Ionic columns. Ongoing restoration efforts have preserved the Erechtheion’s beauty despite centuries of wear and destruction, including the devastation caused by war and natural disasters, allowing tourists to marvel at its architectural brilliance.

6 Temple of Apollo Epicurius

A wonder of ancient architecture, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius is tucked away in the isolated mountains of Bassae, Greece. Built in the middle of the 5th century BCE, it is a testament to the creative fusion of Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric architectural components. The temple is devoted to Apollo Epicurius, the sun and healing deity, and was created by the well-known architect Iktinos, who was also involved in the construction of the Parthenon. Its remote location highlights the importance of its construction and the builders’ commitment. The temple’s exquisite proportions and minute details, in spite of its isolated location, never cease to astound, enticing tourists who come to see its timeless beauty and historical significance among Arcadia’s untamed surroundings.

7 Temple of Poseidon

The temple of Poseidon. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Standing above the beautiful Aegean Sea at Cape Sounion, Greece, the Temple of Poseidon presents a captivating scene. This Doric temple honours Poseidon, the ferocious sea god of Greek mythology, and was constructed in the fifth century BCE. Not only does its ideal beachfront setting pay homage to the god, but it also offers an amazing view, particularly around dusk when the sky turns flaming red. The temple embodies the enduring essence of ancient Greek architecture with its solid structure and massive columns that have withstood the test of time. In addition to its mythological significance, Sounion’s old marvel set on the craggy cliffs evokes a serene and majestic aura that draws visitors.

8 Temple of Apollo Delphi

The Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, holds historic and spiritual significance as the hub of the ancient world. This temple was built in the fourth century BCE and dedicated to the god of prophecy, Apollo. Located inside the revered premises of Delphi, it held a significant position in the Oracle of Delphi, when priestesses conveyed predictions purportedly inspired by Apollo. The peripheral design of the temple, with six columns on the short sides and fifteen on the long sides, demonstrates the architectural brilliance of the structure. Its grandeur and spiritual atmosphere endure despite its partial reconstruction, providing tourists with a look inside the hallowed sanctuary that once influenced the development of Greek mythology and history.

9 The Theatre of Dionysus

A panoramic view of the theatre. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The Theatre of Dionysus is historically significant as the cradle of Greek drama. Built in the fifth century BCE, it served as a venue for plays during the Dionysia festival, which honoured Dionysus, the fertility and wine god. The theatre started out as wooden benches but eventually transformed into a massive stone amphitheatre with space for thousands of people to sit. This place hosted the world premieres of plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes, which influenced the growth of Western theatre. Even if its splendour has faded, visitors can nevertheless marvel at the remnants of this historic wonder and consider its crucial role in the development of Greek culture and the arts.

10 The Propylaea

Constructed in the fifth century BCE under Pericles’ command, the Propylaea is the imposing entrance to the Athenian Acropolis. The centre edifice, which is surrounded by two wings and forms a magnificent entrance to the sacred hill, was designed by Mnesicles, the architect. Doric and Ionic columns supported the white Pentelic marble structure of the Propylaea. Six Ionic columns supported the roof of the centre building, while Doric columns held up pediments at the wings.

The building’s grandeur and harmony were appropriate for the approach to one of the most venerated historical locations. The Propylaea is still a stunning example of Classical Greek architecture, demonstrating the mastery of proportion and design even after centuries of deterioration.

11 Meteora

The Meteora. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Meteora is a collection of magnificent hermitages and monasteries near the town of Kalabaka, primarily built atop tall rock pillars. The collection of breathtakingly massive rock formations in the hilly region of northwest Greece towers over the sleepy village and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Athens.

A number of the monasteries were repopulated in the last century by monks from Mount Athos, another revered Greek mountain, but the majority of the monasteries were abandoned and reduced to ruins as a result of natural calamities and unrest. Many people also rank the trip to Meteora as one of the most picturesque drives through Northern Greece.

12 The Agora of Athens

A picture of the Agora of Athens. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The agora of Athens features a bustling marketplace that was the hub of ancient Athens. Encircled by notable structures and temples, it functioned as the centre of political, commercial, and social affairs. The Agora, which dates to the sixth century BCE, was the site of a range of events, such as political gatherings, business dealings, and philosophical debates. As people congregated to discuss and determine the future of their city-state, democracy began to take shape here. The Museum of the Ancient Agora, which provides insights into everyday life, governance, and cultural accomplishments of ancient Athens, is currently housed in the Stoa of Attalos, a rebuilt structure within the Agora. The Agora continues to stand as a tribute to the democratic principles and lively intellectual life of classical Athens.

13 Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia , , via Wikimedia Commons

 Dating from about 500 and 490 BCE, the Temple of Aphaia is an exceptionally well-preserved ancient Greek temple located on the Greek island of Aegina. Perched on a hill, it offers a stunning view of the Saronic Gulf. With six columns at the short ends and twelve along the long sides, the temple is constructed in the Doric order. Made of local limestone, all of the original columns are still in place. The early Classical period’s high standards are reflected in the architecture’s remarkable harmony and perfect execution. The local deity Aphaia, who is strongly linked to agriculture and fertility, was the temple’s patron goddess. Perched atop a hill, it provided breathtaking views and became a well-known landmark on Aegina.

14 The Theatre of Epidaurus

People watching a performance at the theatre of Epidaurus. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The outstanding acoustics and superbly conserved historic architecture of the Theatre of Epidaurus are well known. Built in the 4th century BCE, this theatre was one of the biggest in ancient Greece, with space for up to 14,000 people. The semicircular orchestra and elaborately detailed skene (stage construction) are hallmarks of Polykleitos the Younger’s design. At the annual Asklepieia festival, comedies, tragedies, and musical competitions were presented here. Because of its outstanding acoustics, which make performers audible from the stage to the furthest seats, the theatre is still used for shows today. This gives audiences an engaging and lasting experience.

15 The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Athen Odeon. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Herodes Atticus’ Odeon embodies both the grandeur of antiquity and the vitality of culture. Rich Athenian Herodes Atticus built this theatre in 161 AD as a memorial to his wife. Its architecture is still stunning today. During ancient festivals, its semicircular design, carved into the natural environment, could hold up to 5,000 spectators for musical and theatrical events. Though it was nearly destroyed, painstaking restoration work in the 1950s brought it back to life, and it is now a beloved location for plays, operas, concerts, and other events. It is especially popular for performances of the famed Athens Festival, which draws both domestic and foreign audiences.

16 The Temple of Apollo at Bassae

A painting of the Temple of Apollo at Bassae. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Temple of Apollo in Bassae is situated in the Peloponnese region’s hills. Constructed between 420 and 400 BCE, it is well known for its avant-garde architectural style that successfully combined the Doric and Ionic orders. This temple is unique in its architecture because of a rare characteristic where an inner Ionic colonnade is surrounded by an outside Doric colonnade.

Constructed from native grey limestone, the temple features elaborate sculptures and expertly carved columns. Its isolated, hilly setting was selected because of its historical ties to oracles and healing cults. The temple, which exemplifies the technical prowess and creative vision of classical Greek architecture, is regarded as one of the best examples of the era.

17 The Stoa of Attalos

One of the best examples of careful reconstruction is the ancient structure known as the Stoa of Attalos. When King Attalos II of Pergamon first constructed it, it served as a covered promenade and a commercial hub in 150 BCE. Athenians gathered on the 115-metre-long stoa, which was home to many stores and a gathering spot. Doric columns supported the ground floor of the structure, while Ionic columns supported the upper story. After being destroyed in 267 CE, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens painstakingly rebuilt the stoa using ancient materials and techniques in the 1950s. It now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, which provides visitors with a window into the vibrant culture of classical Greece by displaying artefacts from the city’s civic life and commerce.

18 The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens

The Temple of Olympian Zeus. , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The magnificence of ancient architecture is demonstrated by the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, which was formerly the biggest temple in all of Greece. The building wasn’t finished until the second century CE, under the reign of Emperor Hadrian, having started in the sixth century BCE. Its enormous size, which was devoted to Zeus, the king of the gods, represented the strength and stature of Athens. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a colossal ivory and gilded statue of Zeus, was once housed in the temple. The temple is nevertheless a striking sight, recalling the grandeur of classical Greece in the middle of modern Athens, despite being partially destroyed throughout the ages and with only a few columns remaining standing.

19 Knossos Palace

A picture of Knossos Palace. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Known as Europe’s oldest city, Knossos is an ancient archaeological monument situated on the Greek island of Crete. Knossos, the epicentre of the Minoan civilization, thrived from around 2000 to 1350 BCE. The site is well known for its expansive palace complex, which was unearthed and largely rebuilt by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. It is thought to be the legendary labyrinth of King Minos. The palace offers insights into Minoan society, religion, and culture with its sophisticated architecture, complex plumbing systems, and detailed murals. Knossos is frequently linked to stories about the Greek hero Theseus and the fabled Minotaur. It is still a well-known archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

20 The Lion Gate of Mycenae

The Lion Gate. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The impressive archaeological landmark, the Lion Gate of Mycenae dates to the late Bronze Age, or approximately the 13th century BCE. It is the main entryway to the historic city of Mycenae, which is situated in Greece’s northern Peloponnese. Enormous stone walls surround the entrance, with a consoling triangle perched over the lintel, which is dominated by two lionesses charging either side of a central column. Massive limestone stones are used in the remarkable Cyclopean masonry that makes the Lion Gate famous. This architectural wonder represented the might and status of the Mycenaean civilization, which was preserved in Greek mythology and archaeological discoveries, in addition to acting as a protective fortification.