The Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae of Greece, also known as Apollon Epikourion, is one of the largest and best preserved temples in Greece. It was built in the Arcadian mountains during the 5th century BC by the same architect who designed the famous Parthenon. The temple remains largely undamaged in large part due to its remote location. It had the oldest Corinthian capital ever found and remains distinguished for its unusual combination of the Corinthian, Ionic and Doric styles.
History
The Temple of Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, Greece was built from 420 to 400 BC. It is considered to have been designed by Iktinos, the architect of the Parthenon. It was built by the inhabitants of Figalos in honor of Apollo after he saved them from a deadly disease called plague. Apollo was the Greek god of sun and of healing. The title Epikourious means "helper." Until a French architect came upon it accidentally in 1765 the temple remained in isolation in the mountains.
What to See
The entire Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae of Greece is currently sheltered by a large tent, which protects the structure from the sometimes severe weather during restoration. The temple is located on a high area called the Bassai, which means "little vale in the rocks." It is a Doric peripheral temple made from local limestone, orientated north to south. It is partly modeled on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.