The temple of Apollo Epicurus

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The temple of Apollo Epicurus is one of the most important archaeological monuments not only of the Peloponnese but of the entire ancient Greek world. It is located southwest of the Andritsaina, at the site of Vasses, in Figalia, Ilia (although the exact location of the temple is claimed by three prefectures, Arcadia, Messinia and Ilia) at an altitude of 1130 metres.

The construction of the temple took place between 420 and 400 BC and the architect of this unique building is considered to be Iktinos (one of the architects of the Parthenon).

The temple of Apollo Epicurus has been on the World Heritage List since 1989. UNESCO for a number of reasons. It is the best preserved monument of classical antiquity and the first to use the Corinthian style. It is the first Corinthian capitals which is the model for later ones.

Another peculiarity that makes the temple of Apollo Epikourios unique is the fact that it combines all three architectural styles of antiquity, the Doric (external columns in the ratio 6X15 instead of the classic 6X13 used in that period), the Ionic (5 columns inside the cella, marble frieze) and the Corinthian.

In fact, the marble Ionic frieze (23 marble slabs) is from the end of the 19th century in the British Museum whose visitors can admire the elaborate representations of Amazonomy , specifically Hercules against the Amazons and Centaur-fighting!