The majestic Temples of Poseidon and Athena stand on the rock of Cape Sounion, at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, their sheer size and beauty impressive whether viewed by sea or land.

Used by the Athenians as a place of worship, as well as a fortress guarding the commercial seaways of the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon could be seen from afar by ships approaching the cape.

According to myth, King Aegeus committed suicide here, leaping to his death after seeing the ominous black sails of his ships returning home from Crete. Cape Sounion is one of the most photographed landscapes in Greece. The view here is exquisite, day or night.

Cape Sounion – Poseidon’s ancient pillars on the Aegean

The wide open sea has been the inspiration of all that surrounds this breathtaking spot with the commanding Temple of Poseidon standing tall above the blue Aegean Sea. According to the myth, King Aegeus, son of Poseidon, stood at Cape Sounion anticipating the return of his son Theseus. When he saw a ship with black sails, he thought that Theseus was dead, and, from his despair, fell into the sea and died, hence the Aegean Sea was named after him.

Today, 15 of the 45 Doric columns of the brilliant temple dedicated to the sea god Poseidon still stand. Below, the deep blue waters of the Aegean glisten as the light reflects onto the ancient marble pillars, sandy beaches and shell-studded rocks along the cape.

Throughout the year, and especially during the summer, visitors flock to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon to watch one of the Mediterranean’s most romantic sunsets and the full moon rise over the cape.