Athens - Temple of Hephaestus

Athens, the southernmost capital on the European mainland, is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. According to Greek mythology the city was named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. For this reason it is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy.

The Temple of Hephaestus is a well-preserved Greek temple dedicated to Hephaestus, the patron god of metal working, craftsmanship, and fire.

Construction of the temple began around 449 BC. By 430 BC, the temple was largely complete; only the roof and the cult image group were still missing. The temple was probably consecrated in 415 BC. It was located on what was then the western city limits of Athens and later became "Agora of Athens".

The temple is built of marble, excepting the bottom step of the krepis or platform. The dimensions of the temple are 13.71 m north to south and 31.78 m east to west, with six columns on the short east and west sides and thirteen columns along the longer north and south sides.

Unlike the Parthenon, the Hephaesteion still has all its columns, and even the roof is largely intact. However, the friezes and other decorations have been severely damaged by iconoclasts, art lovers, and looters over the centuries.

From the 7th century until 1834, it served as the Greek Orthodox church of Saint George Akamates. The building's condition has been maintained due to its history of varied use.

During the Ottoman rule in Greece, the temple remained a Greek Orthodox church. When the first king of independent Greece, King Otto of Greece, son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, entered Athens in 1834, the welcoming mass was held here.