Temple of Athena Pronaia, Greece (with Map & Photos)

Tholos of Delphi - Temple of Athena Pronaia, Greece.

It rises on the site of the sanctuary of Athena between the newest temple dedicated to this goddess and the Massilian treasury. This is a masterpiece of classical architecture, the purpose of which, unfortunately, is unknown to us. It was once associated with a chthonic cult (that is, the cult of the underground gods), but the traveler Pausanias, who saw its ruins in the 2nd century, does not mention it as a temple. 

Temple of Athena Pronaia Greece
Temple of Athena Pronaia Greece

The impressive circular structure dates back to 380 BC. From the writings of Vitruvius, the great Roman architect and architectural historian, we learn that Theodore of Phocaeus or Phocides was responsible for the construction of the tholos, who even wrote a book on the method of its construction.

Tholos was partially restored in 1938, and its architectural parts and, most importantly, the surviving details of the relief decoration are exhibited today in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.

Temple of Athena Pronaia Greece
Temple of Athena Pronaia Greece

Temple of Athena Pronaia 90.9 km east of Patras - description, coordinates, photos, reviews and the ability to find this place in Phocis in Central Greece. Find out where it is, how to get there, see what's interesting around. Check out other places on our interactive map for more information. Get to know the world better.