Did you know that the Parthenon in Athens may make up part of a Sacred Triangle of temples? It's one of many intriguing mysteries concerning Ancient Greece!
Sacred Geography of the Ancient Greeks
Greece has a strong association with being the birthplace of Western mathematics and geometry. It should perhaps come as no surprise, therefore, that theories have developed claiming ancient Greek sites may have been built in accordance with a 'masterplan'. Whilst these theories are certainly not mainstream, and some of the more extreme examples require great leaps of imagination, there are some intriguing examples. One of these is referred to as the Sacred Triangle.
The most commonly referred to Sacred Triangle in Greece consists of 3 temples. These temples are the Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina. When seen on a map, these three temples seem to form an isosceles triangle. Even more interestingly, all 3 temples were built within a few years of each other, adding to the theory their positioning formed part of a grander design. Perhaps the real question though, is if these three temples were purposefully positioned to a grander design, what was its actual purpose? This is where the theories start to divulge. Some suggest that the temples were positioned on points of natural energy. Others, that they perhaps mapped the stars above. If they were built according to a grander design, it's possible we will never know their true purpose. Columns - credits: araelf/depositphotos Each one of the 3 temples that make up the Sacred Triangle can be visited on day trips from Athens, although not on the same day. The Temple of Aphaia in Aegina can be reached via ferry from Athens, whilst the Temple of Poseidon is normally visited as an evening tour from Athens. The Parthenon, of course, is part of the Acropolis complex in Athens. Whilst we do not currently offer tours to the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina, we are happy to suggest trusted partners who can arrange one for you. If you are interested, please contact Greek Mythology tours through our onscreen chat box. We do, however, offer unique tours to both the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon. Our most popular package allows both to be visited in one day. Acropolis and Museum + Temple of Poseidon at Sounion This unique tour in Athens is especially popular with families, due to our excellent kid-friendly guides. The tour concept, is to show the most significant ancient sites in Athens and how they are connected with Greek Mythology. For the kids, we've got a lovely surprise - We've included a Percy Jackson twist! Not only will they learn about the real Greek Mythology during the trip, but they'll also discover where the inspiration for the fun Percy Jackson books came from. This combination of a modern retelling of Greek Mythology, real Greek myths, and intriguing theories such as the Sacred Triangle makes it a tour to be remembered! Acropolis Athens - credits: sborisov/depositphotos This full day Greek Mythology tour of Athens begins with a visit to the Acropolis with our fun and enthusiastic guide. You'll be led up to the top of the Acropolis, admiring significant structures such as the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, before reaching Parthenon itself. This is the first and most well known temple if the Sacred Triangle, and your guide will explain its construction as well as its links to Greek Mythology. Make sure to take plenty of photos, as well as admire the views out over the city of Athens! From the Acropolis, you will be led back down and onto the Acropolis Museum. Often considered to be one of the best museums in Greece, we strongly believe it is best experienced with a qualified guide such as ours! Inside, you will be shown how the statues of Ancient Greece were never really white at all, but painted in all manner of colours. You'll also discover other intriguing mysteries such as the Sorcerers Ball! Acropolis Museum - credits: smoxx/depositphotos After the Acropolis museum visit, it will be time for a drive along the Athens Riviera and lunch. Nothing quite beats driving along a coastline, and we know the best seafood tavernas along the way! With time to relax and a swim, you'll be able to regain your energy for the final destination of the day - Cape Sounion. Finally, you will arrive at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Here, our guide will explain it's importance in the ancient Greek world, as well as some of the myths connected with it. For kids who are Percy Jackson fans, seeing the temple of Percy's father is an absolute must! Here, you will be able to see similarities with the Parthenon, as well as appreciate it's position as part of the Sacred Triangle. The tour of the Temple of Poseidon culminates with a magnificent sunset. The perfect way to appreciate this blend between a man-made wonder and nature before returning to Athens! Find out more: Athens Full Day Mythology Tour Temple of Poseidon Sounio - credits: Anastasios71/depositphotosWhat is the Sacred Triangle?
Magic Triangle of Greece
Visiting the Temples of the Sacred Triangle
Greek Mythology Tours to the Temples
Athens Full Day Mythology Tour
Mythology Tour Itinerary
Acropolis Museum
Lunch and a drive along the Athens Riviera
Temple of Poseidon
