History:

is a 5th century BC temple located in the mountain range of Phigaleia in Arcadia, Greece. It was constructed by the architect, Iktinos, for the city of Bassae and dedicated to the god Apollo Epikurios. The temple is known for its remarkable sculptures and reliefs with its peristyle (the surrounding colonnade of columns). The temple was used as an important mold for neoclassical architecture, and its remains have since been excavated and restored. It is one of the best temple in Italy which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Temple of Apollo Epikurios at Bassae is an ancient Greek temple located in its namesake ancient town of Bassae, just south of the mountain stronghold of Phigaleia in the modern region of Arcadia. 2. The temple was built circa 420 BCE and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture. 3. It was dedicated to Apollo Epikurios (Apollo the Healer) and was described by Pausanias as: “the most beautiful of all the temples of Greece”. 4. It is believed to be the first building to use the Ionic order of Classical Greek architecture. 5. The temple has acquired a particular importance in the historiography of both Greek and Roman cultures due to its relationship to the Roman writer, Virgil, who visited the site during his journey to Italy in 39 BCE and referenced it in his works. 6. The temple was discovered by Jean Charles Bocher in 1765 and reconstructed by architects Johann Joachim Winckelmann and Carl Haller von Hallerstein between 1766 and 1812. 7. Its spectacular sculptures and reliefs, which depict scenes from mythology, are some of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Greek art. 8. The temple is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 1986. Here are some facts about the Italy temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Italy

Worship Method:

The worship method of the Temple of Apollo Epikurios, Bassae in Italy was undoubtedly based on the ancient methods of the Greeks. This temple was dedicated to the god Apollo Epikurios, and as such, was a site of ritual worship and prayer. Worshipers would have likely gathered in the temple on days honoring the god, and sacrificed animals to him. They would also have sung hymns and lit incense, and prayed for the health and prosperity of their families. Offerings of food, wine, and other goods would likewise have been made at the site. Other forms of propitiation, such as ritual purification, likely also occurred here, as well as public festivals. Finally, it is likely that the temple also served as a center for the study of philosophy and science, as well as a place for the performance of plays and other forms of literary works. This most visited temple in Italy

Opening Timing:

The Temple of Apollo Epikurios at Bassae is not located in Italy. It is located in the region of Arcadia, Greece. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., except for national holidays. top temples in Italy

How to reach:

The Temple of Apollo Epikurios in Bassae, Greece is located approximately 370 kilometers from Rome, Italy. The easiest way to travel to the Temple from Italy is by bus or car. The most direct route is to take the State Highway E94 out of Rome, and then onto the A3 motorway south. At Metapontum, take the A2 highway west towards the Ionian Sea. At the Ioannina turnoff, you will take the A20 highway towards Messapion, then onto the A21 when you reach the junction. Then take the A651 and A652 roads to reach Bassae. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Rome to Kalamata, Greece, located 1.5 hours from Bassae. From there you will need to take a local bus or hire a car to reach the Temple. Once you arrive in Bassae, the Temple is located 0.5 km west of the National Road. It is located on a hill near the village of Thyrea. famous temples in Italy