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Temple of Hephaestus (Hephaisteion)

The Temple of Hephaestus stands on the hill of Agoraios Kolonos, on the north-west side of the Athenian Agora. It was built between 449 and 415 BC and is a Doric peripteral temple of Pentelic marble, with six columns on the short sides and thirteen on the long ones. It measures about 13.7 by 31.8 metres. The architect is unknown. Only 18 of its 68 metopes carried sculpture: those on the east tell of the labours of Heracles, and those at the north and south corners the labours of Theseus. Around the year 700 it became the church of St George Akamates, and the last service was held on 21 February 1833. Between 1834 and 1934 it served as a museum. It is one of the best-preserved Greek temples, thanks to that continuous use.

Things to do at Temple of Hephaestus (Hephaisteion): 3 missions

• Find the metopes of the labours of HeraclesLook at the entablature on the east side: only some of the metopes carried sculpture. Find those of Heracles and, at the corners, those of Theseus.
• Count the columns: six by thirteenCount the columns on the short side (six) and on the long side (thirteen) of the Doric temple.
• Photograph the temple from the middle of the AgoraGo down to the middle of the Agora and frame the temple high on the hill of Agoraios Kolonos, surrounded by gardens.

Near Temple of Hephaestus (Hephaisteion)

Source: Web oficial - Museo del Ágora Antigua