Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
In the remote Arcadian Mountains of the western Peloponnese at Bassae, on the slopes of Kotylion Mountain sits the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, a sanctuary dedicated to the god of healing.
Built using a hard, fine-grained grey limestone it was relatively sparsely decorated on the outside but inside there was a continuous marble Ionic frieze. The frieze consisted of 23 marble slabs, 12 depeicting battles between Amazons and Greeks and the remaining 11 showing battles between Lapiths and Centaurs. In 1814 these were taken to the British Museum where they remain today. The temple is thought to have been designed by Iktinos who also designed the Parthenon and constructed between 450BC and 525BC. The design is unusual because of its use of all three classical orders with Doric, Ionian and Corinthian capitals used. The singular Corinthian capital is the earliest example known. |
The temple is considered to be unique because of it's beauty and the harmony of design, blending Arcadian forms with the new Classical styles. |
The Temple was in use during both the Hellenistic and Roman times but today is currently housed under a large tent to protect it from the weather during re-construction.
Icon Holidays can arrange your visit to Bassae and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, with our range of superb hotels to choose from, private transfers and personal recommendations to help you enjoy this significant site.
