TEMPLE OF PYTHIAN APOLLO

The temple of Pythian Apollo, at the easternmost point of the city of Karthaia, rose above the sea. Here the festivals of Pythian Apollo were celebrated. From inscribed columns with resolutions of the Carthians that existed as votives in the temple of Pythian Apollo, the temple is identified with absolute certainty. It began to be built in 530 BC, i.e. it is almost contemporary with the temple of Athena Karthaia, and follows the same architectural style. It is Doric in appearance, with dimensions of 31.15 m. X 16.05 m. It has a stone parapet and a marble superstructure. Written sources state that the temple was decorated with themes from the Trojan War. On the western side, a niche had been carved into the rock to house the cult statue of Apollo. Many of the sculptures from the two temples of Karthaia are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Ioulida. It is noteworthy that they remind the style of ancient Athens during the 6th century. BC but at the same time they prove that there were local artistic workshops during the archaic period on the island.

Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou