The wrong name
For centuries people called it the Theseion, believing the hero Theseus was buried here. It is now identified as the temple of Hephaestus, god of metalworking, which fits the foundries and potters' workshops found all around it.
Urban Tales › Athens › Temple of Hephaestus
Temple of Hephaestus: the history, and why it survived intact
Begun in 449 BC on a hill above the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus is the most complete classical Greek temple still standing. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for as you climb up to it.
Begun449 BC
ForHephaestus & Athena
StyleDoric
A church until1834
Hear the Temple of Hephaestus story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Saved by becoming a church
From the 7th century until 1834 it was the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Akamates. Constant use kept it roofed and repaired while other temples were taken apart for stone.
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Heracles over the entrance
Only 18 of its 68 metopes were carved. The ten above the east front show the labours of Heracles; the others, near the corners, show the deeds of Theseus.
TipEnter through the Ancient Agora and walk up the small hill on its west side; the view of the Acropolis from the temple steps is one of the best in Athens. With Urban Tales running, the temple's story plays as you approach.
Nearby landmarks
Temple of Hephaestus: common questions
Why is the Temple of Hephaestus so well preserved?
It was used as a church from the 7th century until 1834, so it was maintained instead of being taken apart for building stone.
Who was the temple dedicated to?
Hephaestus, god of fire and metalworking, together with Athena Ergane, patron of crafts.
Is the Temple of Hephaestus the same as the Theseion?
Yes. It was long called the Theseion because people believed Theseus was buried there; it is now known to be the temple of Hephaestus.