Just a breath away from the beautiful Andritsaina, hidden between mountains and endless horizons, lies the Temple of Apollo Epicurius. A place that seems to have sprung from the pages of an ancient epic, full of stories, myths and the magic of another era. If you think you have seen all the archaeological wonders of Greece, think again.
Here, in this peaceful corner of the Peloponnese, the ancient Phigalians built a masterpiece to honor Apollo, the god who – as they believed – saved their city from a deadly epidemic. And what a masterpiece! The Temple of Apollo Epicurius is not just an architectural monument. It is living proof that the ancient Greeks did not build anything by chance. Every stone, every column, every detail tells a story that connects us to the past.
If the name Iktinos reminds you of something, you are right. He is the same one who designed the Parthenon! And here, in Vassa, he left his personal stamp with a temple that goes beyond the boundaries of classical architecture. Iktinos did the unthinkable: he combined three different architectural styles in a single building.
The external Doric order exudes strength and simplicity, the Ionic order on the inside adds grace and elegance, while the central column with its Corinthian capital is a masterpiece of art. And as if that weren't enough, the temple doesn't follow the classic eastern orientation. No! It faces north to south, defying all conventional logic.
The temple has stood tall for thousands of years, defying earthquakes, weather and human intervention. Its impressive frieze, depicting the Amazon and Centaur Battles, may now be in the British Museum, but the energy and grandeur of the temple remain here.
From the Byzantine period, when it was abandoned, until its discovery by European travelers in the 18th century, the temple never ceased to inspire awe. And today, protected by a special shelter, it continues to tell its story.
If you want to experience something beyond the ordinary, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius is your destination. It is not just an excursion; it is an experience that will captivate you. The way the architecture blends with the natural landscape, the serenity that the area exudes and the energy of the space will make you feel like you are in another dimension.
Don't hesitate to stray from the typical routes and let your soul get lost in Vassas. The Temple of Apollo Epicurius is not just a breath from Andritsaina; it is a breath from the very history, art and magic of the past.
