Temple of Hephaistos - east side
Named after the patron-god of metal working, the Temple of Hephaistos is a Doric order peripteral structure situated at the north-west side of the Agora of Athens. The temple sets on top of the Agorais Kolonos hill and was built in honor of the two parton deites of artisans ñ Hephaistos and Anthena Ergane. Hephaistos is also know as the craftsman of the gods who corresponded with the Roman god, Vulcan. Officially inaugurated in 416 BC, the Temple of Hephaistos is constructed of pentelic marble with the exception of the lowest step of the krepidoma that instead features a more expensive parian marble. On its east and west sides, the temple features six columns. Each side boasts an additional 13 columns. The temple is commonly referred to as the Hephaiseion and was once know as the Theseion. In all, the structure measures 3.71 meters by 38.24 meters. The building was destroyed during the Persian invasion of Greece. Per Greek code, the temple's remains were left untouched to symbolize barbarian ferocity and serve as a daily reminder to its visitors. The structure, however, is still well maintained and considered the best-preserved Greek temple in Athens. Open all year, it is a fantastic site for tourists to visit and gain a touch of Grecian history.
