The Temple of Aphaia in Aegina, Greece is a stunning example of Doric architecture and ancient Greek art. This temple was built in 480 BCE and dedicated to the mother-goddess Aphaia. Out of the original 32 columns, 25 still stand due to expert restoration work. The temple’s layout features 12 pillars on the long sides and six on the narrow sides, with 24 Doric columns remaining.
One of the most remarkable features of this temple is its pedimental sculptures that depict scenes from history and legend related to warriors from Aegina fighting in the Trojan War. These sculptures were once brightly painted but now hold a unique beauty through their sun-bleached patina. The temple’s lavish decoration includes some of finest sculptural works from the Late Archaic and Early Classical periods.
The Temple of Aphaia is surrounded by picturesque pine trees which adds to its allure as a unique worship site that dates back even before prehistoric times (1300 BCE). Along with fellow temples Parthenon and Temple Of Poseidon at Sounion it laid down one of Doric order’s basic tenets for Greek architecture. Overall, this stunning monument represents not only architectural brilliance but also bears witness to a rich cultural heritage belonging to Greece’s mythological past.
