Temple of Artemis

Corfu, Greece

The Temple of Artemis is an Archaic Greek temple in Corfu, Greece, built in around 580 BC in the ancient city of Korkyra. The temple was dedicated to Artemis. It is known as the first Doric temple exclusively built with stone. It is also considered the first building to have incorporated all of the elements of the Doric architectural style. Very few Greek temple reliefs from the Archaic period have survived, and the large fragments of the group from the pediment are the earliest significant survivals.

The temple was a peripteral–styled building with a pseudodipteral configuration. Its perimeter was rectangular, with width of 23.46 m and length 49 m with an eastward orientation so that light could enter the interior of the temple at sunrise. It was one of the largest temples of its time.

The metope of the temple was probably decorated, since remnants of reliefs featuring Achilles and Memnon were found in the ancient ruins. The temple has been described as a milestone of Ancient Greek architecture and one of 150 masterpieces of Western architecture. The architecture of the Corfu temple may have influenced the design of an archaic sanctuary found at Sant'Omobono in Rome which dates to the archaic period and incorporates similar design elements.

The massive altar of the sanctuary is precisely rectangular and stood in front of the temple. It was 2.7 m. wide and 25 m. long. Only 8 m. of its northern section survive. The rest of the altar was built over, under the foundations of the Saint Theodore monastery.

Kaiser Wilhelm II, while vacationing at his summer palace of Achilleion in Corfu and while Europe was preparing for war, was involved in excavations at the site of the ancient temple.

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Agion Theodoron, Corfu, Greece
See all sites in Corfu

Details

Founded: 580 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Greece

Rating

4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

marabout ski (4 months ago)
The pediment of the Gorgon from the Temple of Artemis in Corfu, dating to around 580 BCE, is a striking example of archaic Greek sculpture. This limestone pediment prominently features the fearsome Gorgon Medusa, depicted in a dynamic, running pose with her wings spread. Medusa’s grotesque face, with its wide eyes and protruding tongue, was intended to ward off evil. Flanking Medusa are her offspring, Pegasus and Chrysaor, symbolizing the mythological continuity and divine protection. The composition is symmetrical and filled with intricate detail, showcasing early Greek efforts at narrative and decorative art in temple architecture. The Temple of Artemis in Corfu itself is one of the earliest examples of the Doric order in Greek architecture. This pediment, measuring approximately 17 meters in length, is significant not only for its artistic merit but also for its size, making it one of the largest surviving pediments from this period. The placement of smaller, mythological figures in the corners and the use of space demonstrate the evolving skill and creativity of Greek sculptors. This masterpiece represents a blend of religious, cultural, and artistic values, serving both as a protective symbol and a testament to the craftsmanship of the archaic era.
Floundericious WA (10 months ago)
Hard to reach and nothing open. Others might have different experiences on other days but we got nada
Birgit Tallmeister (11 months ago)
It’s so badly maintained that the roosters and geese next door were more picture-worthy. My little brother is rethinking his love of history at this point. You can’t even get to the few rocks that are left as they are behind a locked rusty gate. ?
Alex (13 months ago)
Awesome place! This was a short walk from our hotel so we decided to come take a look. There wasn't a great deal to see to be honest, but it was a pleasant walk and good to see some local history. There is a church right next to it, and it is a short walk from other good sites to visit, so would recommend taking a walk around and visiting this place if you're also seeing other things.
Noel McKillen (3 years ago)
Beautiful old historic part of corfu with such beauty. Loved it.
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