Temple of Apollo at Bassae: What is it?

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The Temple of Apollo at Bassae in Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 5th century BC by architect Iktinos. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of healing and the sun. The site remained well-preserved due to its remote location and was rediscovered in the 18th century. Restoration work is ongoing, and the site is housed under a tent. The temple is modeled after the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and features a Corinthian column. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.

The Temple of Apollo at Bassae is a religious site in Greece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been since 1986. The site is regarded by many as one of the most stunning examples of classical architecture and art, and is an extremely popular tourist attraction.
The Temple of Apollo at Bassae was built in the 5th century BC by the Greek architect Iktinos. Iktinos is also known to have designed the Parthenon, as well as an Eleusinian structure, the Telesterion at Eleusis. The Temple of Apollo at Bassae was built well into the mountains of Arcadia and its remote location is part of what has allowed it to remain so well preserved over the years.

The Temple of Apollo at Bassae was built on a site that once housed an even older temple. It was built by the people of Figalos in gratitude to Apollo, after his intervention had spared the people from a deadly plague. Apollo was considered a patron god, being the god of healing and the sun. The Temple of Apollo at Bassae is also sometimes referred to as the Temple of Apollo Epicurus or Apollo Epicurus, where Epicuurus is Greek for helper.

The Temple of Apollo at Bassae was largely forgotten by the world for many centuries, and was spared the ravages of war and looters. It was only at the end of the 18th century that a French architect stumbled upon it and it became known to the world. In the early 19th century, King George IV of England seized a number of marble friezes from the temple, transferring them to the British Museum, where they are still on display.

The site was excavated by archaeologists starting in the early 20th century and continuing until the latter part of the century. Recently, researchers have been studying how to restore the temple, and funds have been raised for conservation work to restore the site to a more historic splendour. While the site is being restored, it is housed under a large tent to protect it from the region’s inclement weather.

The Temple of Apollo at Bassae is loosely modeled on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and is built of limestone quarried from the surrounding mountains. The most interesting architectural feature of the Temple of Apollo at Bassae is the Corinthian column which was housed in the cella of the temple. This column is thought to have been the oldest Corinthian column discovered, although it was destroyed during the first excavations.

The site itself is an excellent destination for half a day’s exploration. The setting is stunningly beautiful, and the grand columns and sweeping expanses of limestone give the whole structure a majestic feel. After visiting the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, most travelers continue up the mountain to take in the incredible view of nearby Mt. Lykaeon, the Nedhas River and the Ionian Sea.




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