Temple of Hephaestus, Athens (must see)

Topping a hill on the northwest side of the Agora, the temple of Hephaestus, the god of metallurgy, is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. In part, this is due to its conversion to the Greek Orthodox church between the 7th and the 19th centuries.

This surprisingly intact structure may well not match the Parthenon's remains or the colossal Olympian Zeus temple in terms of grandeur, but it does offer a genuine sense of the true proportions of an authentic Greek house of worship.

In Greek mythology, Hephaestus was the deity associated with fire, metalworking, blacksmiths, and artisans. He alone possessed the skill to craft the indestructible bronze residences in which the other Olympian gods lived.

Construction of the temple began in 449 BC and reportedly took some three decades to complete amid the shortage of human and material resources due to the Parthenon construction at the same time. As documented in the "Description of Greece" by Greek traveler Pausanias in the 2nd century AD, the temple once housed bronze statues of both Athena and Hephaestus.

Tips:
The surrounding trees and shrubs form a small garden where visitors can find shaded spots and enjoy excellent views of other historical locations.
You can explore this site with the Acropolis multi-site ticket, which is highly recommended. For a richer experience, consider obtaining an audio guide. While the entry inside can be limited, you can walk outside to admire the decorative friezes adorning the exterior.