Cape Sounion is a Greek destination located at about 64 kilometers from the south eastern area of Athens, in the regin of Attica. Cape Sounion, its actual name, has gone through several modifications. In Ancient Greece, this area was known as Sunium, later it became Sounio, and then The Cape of Sounion or Cape Sounion.
One of the main attractions in Cape Sounion is the ancient Sanctuary. The Sanctuary of Cape Sounion, also known as the Sounion Hiron, is among the most important ones in the region, and has existed since several centuries BC. It is interesting to know that there are some references in the Odyssey naing the Sanctuary of Sounion as the spot in which Menelaos stayed after coming back from burying Phrontes Onetorides in Troy.
The Sanctuary of Cape Sounion has two main buildings. These sanctuaries became very popular towards the 5th century BC when a temple was built near by in honor to Poseidon. During that époque, the buildings of the sanctuaries were reformed and became more visited by the Athenians. Most of these constructions were partially destroyed around the year 480 BC by the Persians.
Towards endings of the 5th century BC, this area was fortified by the Athenians in order to be protected during the Peloponnesian War. The sanctuaries lost some of their importance in the last centuries BC and the first centuries AC. Around 1825, some new discoveries were made about the Sanctuary of Poseidon when a German architect conducted excavations in the area.
The construction known as Propylon, also located in Cape Sounion, is another interesting ancient building tourists should visit while being in this area. The Propylon was built with important amounts of marble and shows a very interesting architectural structure. The central room in this construction shows a wall with three main doors, while another wall leads to a small hall. The Propylon has several porticoes and interesting structures spread throughout the construction.
Cape Sounion is a very interesting destination which offers several unique constructions and spots. Tourists who are in this region of Greece should try to visit this spot and learn some information about each particular construction since they count on a very interesting and rich historical past.