Cape Sounion is noted as the
site of ruins of the ancient
Greek temple of Poseidon,
the god of the sea in
classical mythology. The
remains are perched on the
headland, surrounded on
three sides by the sea
The site is accessible by
road from Athens. This is
the scenic highway which
closely follows the west
coast of Attica (the "Attic
riviera"), passing through
numerous upscale residential
districts and resorts, such
as
Glyfada,
Vouliagmeni (anc.
Zoster),
Varkiza. The
headland is roughly shaped
like an axe-head. A narrow
neck of land leads to the
higher, gently-sloping site
of the temple. On most sides
of the axe-head are steep
cliffs, up to 60 m (197 ft)
high.
There were two ancient
temples on this site, one
dedicated to Athena (of
which only the foundations
remain) and the other the
famous one to Poseidon.
Within walking distance,
there is a tavern
and a hotel. Further
development has been
restricted by the
designation of the site, and
a large surrounding region,
as one of 10 National parks
in Greece.
From this jutting headland,
there is a panoramic view of
the surrounding Aegean
islands. Nearby are the
islets of Makronisi (ancient
Helena, to the east)
and Patroklou or
Patroclus (west, see
Fig.2 map). Further away, to
the south, the larger
islands of Kea, Kithnos,
Serifos and, on a clear day,
as far as Milos, 60 miles
(97 km) distant. To the
east, looming behind Kea can
be seen the 994 m (3261 ft)
peak of Andros
island. To the west, the
mountainous shore of the
Argolis peninsula, across
the Saronic gulf.
