The Temple of Hephaestus is located on the ancient market of Athens (in Thissio) and remains one of the most beautiful Doric temples of antiquity.

It began to be built in 449 BC, and was dedicated to two gods, to god Hephaestus the patron of metallurgy and to goddess Athena Ergane, a protector of the arts. According to the building’s characteristics, the architect who undertook the construction was greatly influenced by the great building of the city, built during the same period, the Parthenon.

Common elements with the Parthenon are the two-dimensional Dorian colonnade that existed inside the building and the Ionic frieze, which lay above the pronaos.

The architect of Hephaestus remains unknown. It is certain that he had received influences from Iktino and Skopa and allegedly was the creator of the wonderful temples at the Souno, Nemesis in Ramnounta and Mars in Acharnes.

It was built on the hill of Agoraios Kolonos and its surroundings adorned pots of clay with flowers and shrubs. Inside was the two bronze statues of Hephaestus and Athena, which were destroyed.

Source: mixanitouxronou.gr