High in the mountains of Arcadia, at more than 1,100 metres, stands one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Greece. The Temple of Apollo Epicurius — “Apollo the Helper” — was built in the second half of the fifth century BC by the people of nearby Phigalia, reportedly in thanks for deliverance from a plague. The ancient writer Pausanias attributed it to Iktinos, architect of the Parthenon.
It combines the Doric, Ionic and the earliest known Corinthian capital, and its sculpted frieze now lies in the British Museum. In 1986 it became the first site in Greece inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since 1987 it has been protected by a huge tent while conservation continues — which gives a visit a strange, cathedral-like atmosphere.
What to see at Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Walk around the temple under the tent
Walkways let you circle the colonnade and see the unusual north–south orientation and the mix of architectural orders.
Enjoy the mountain drive
The road climbs through Arcadian hill villages; stop in Andritsaina, a traditional stone village on the way.
How to get to Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
- By car: about 1.5 hours from Olympia via Krestena and Andritsaina, on winding mountain roads.
- Public transport: there is no practical service to the temple; you need a car or a private driver.
Insider tips
- Check opening hours and the (modest) ticket price before you go — they are shorter in winter.
- Bring a layer: it can be much cooler up here than in the valley.
- Make it a half-day loop from Olympia, or combine with the scenic inland route from Athens.
Best tours & tickets for Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae with context:
Private tour from €118 Olympic Site All-Inclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert
An exclusive two-hour walk through the sanctuary with a field archaeologist and certified guide. Expect the stories behind the stones — how the Games were run, who paid for what, and how the site was lost and found.
- A field archaeologist as your private guide
- Admission handled — no ticket queue
- Perfect rating from 30+ reviews
Food & wine from €68 Ancient Olympia: Agrotourism Tour with Honey, Wine & Olive Oil Tastings
Combine the birthplace of the Olympic Games with the land that feeds it. A local guide takes you to a family honey farm, a winery and an olive-oil mill for tastings, with time at the ancient site and a relaxing stop on the coast.
- Visit a honey farm, a winery and an olive mill
- Tastings of local honey, wine and olive oil
- Guided visit to Olympia and time on the beach
