Southernmost Cape of Attica
Sounio is the southernmost headland of Attica, located 38 km from Athens. At this site, on a hill that rises 60 meters above sea level, stands the Temple of Poseidon. The temple features six columns on its shorter sides and thirteen columns on its longer sides, of which fifteen Doric columns remain today. This is why the area is often referred to as the "Cape of Columns" (Κάβο κολώνες or Καβοκολώνες).
Historically, Sounio was a strategically important location where the Athenians could monitor the movement of ships entering the Saronic Gulf. It also played a role in protecting valuable minerals from Lavrion and controlling sea routes to Euboea. In the fifth century, the Athenians conquered Euboea and established a colony there with around 4,000 settlers from Attica. The island was known for its fertile land, providing various plant and animal products. Additionally, Sounio oversaw the maritime activities of the Cyclades, which were part of the Athenian Alliance based in Delos. This alliance protected about 400 city-states against the Persian Empire.
Cape Sounio
During the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), Sounion emerged as a formidable fortress of Attica. In 413 BC, a robust wall measuring 3.00 meters in thickness was constructed, featuring 11 towers. A permanent garrison was stationed there, and civilian housing was built within the fortress. In the northwest corner of the cape, a space was created to accommodate ships in readiness.
It is logical to note that the temple of the sea god Poseidon was built in 449 BC by Pericles on the site of an earlier temple. This Doric temple was constructed two years before the Parthenon and lacked relief decoration on its pediments. However, the outer frieze showcased sculpted scenes from the Gigantomachy, the Centauromachy, and the feats of Theseus.
The temple fell into disuse during the 1st century AD and gradually deteriorated. Since Roman times, countless inscriptions have been carved into the north side of the temple by tourists, including the signature of the philhellene poet Lord Byron, which can still be read today.
