Temple of Apollo on Naxos Island in Greece (July 2007)
The history of Naxos's Temple of Apollo centers on its unfinished construction in the 6th century BC by the tyrant Lygdamis, intended to be a grand sanctuary but halted by his overthrow in 506 BC. The most prominent remaining feature is the Portara, a massive marble doorway on the islet of Palatia, a symbol of the temple's intended glory. Later, the temple's materials were quarried for other buildings during the Byzantine and Venetian periods, but the monumental gate endures as Naxos's iconic landmark and a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Construction and Political Context
Tyrant Lygdamis:
The temple's construction began around 530 BC under the ambitious Naxian tyrant Lygdamis.
Ambition and Vision:
Lygdamis intended to build a temple that would rival the largest and most glorious buildings in ancient Greece, a monument to the god Apollo.
Unfinished Project:
Construction was never completed, primarily due to the fall of Lygdamis's regime in 506 BC, after which the project was abandoned.
The Portara and Surviving Remnants
Monumental Doorway:
The only part of the temple that largely remains today is the imposing Portara, or Great Door.
Material and Construction:
The Portara is made of colossal marble blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons, with visible bosses where ropes were used for lifting and moving them during construction.
Strategic Location:
The temple was located on the islet of Palatia, which was connected to the main island and served as a prominent point facing Delos, the sacred birthplace of Apollo.
Later History and Transformation
Quarrying and Reuse:
Over the centuries, the temple's materials were repurposed. The Venetian Castro in Naxos Town, for instance, used parts of the temple as a quarry.
A Symbol of Naxos:
Despite being unfinished, the Portara has become the defining landmark of Naxos and is a testament to the island's ancient past.
Cultural Significance Today
Iconic Landmark:
.
The Portara serves as an emblem of Naxos and a popular attraction for visitors.
Sunset Views:
.
The site is famously known for its beautiful sunsets and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Connection to Mythology:
.
The temple faces Delos, reinforcing its connection to the mythology of Apollo.
Construction and Political Context
Tyrant Lygdamis:
The temple's construction began around 530 BC under the ambitious Naxian tyrant Lygdamis.
Ambition and Vision:
Lygdamis intended to build a temple that would rival the largest and most glorious buildings in ancient Greece, a monument to the god Apollo.
Unfinished Project:
Construction was never completed, primarily due to the fall of Lygdamis's regime in 506 BC, after which the project was abandoned.
The Portara and Surviving Remnants
Monumental Doorway:
The only part of the temple that largely remains today is the imposing Portara, or Great Door.
Material and Construction:
The Portara is made of colossal marble blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons, with visible bosses where ropes were used for lifting and moving them during construction.
Strategic Location:
The temple was located on the islet of Palatia, which was connected to the main island and served as a prominent point facing Delos, the sacred birthplace of Apollo.
Later History and Transformation
Quarrying and Reuse:
Over the centuries, the temple's materials were repurposed. The Venetian Castro in Naxos Town, for instance, used parts of the temple as a quarry.
A Symbol of Naxos:
Despite being unfinished, the Portara has become the defining landmark of Naxos and is a testament to the island's ancient past.
Cultural Significance Today
Iconic Landmark:
.
The Portara serves as an emblem of Naxos and a popular attraction for visitors.
Sunset Views:
.
The site is famously known for its beautiful sunsets and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Connection to Mythology:
.
The temple faces Delos, reinforcing its connection to the mythology of Apollo.