In any discussion about ancient architecture, the Greeks are likely to have the highest number of buildings mentioned. Their architectural contribution is worthy of admiration with numerous outstanding structures produced by the Hellenic people. Most of these buildings are temples named after the Greek gods which they were dedicated to. Many of the buildings produced by the Greeks are of great architectural value.

The Hellenistic era produced some of the most distinctive structures in the form of theatres, temples, and stadia which were once the main characteristics of ancient Greek towns and cities. Here are the top 5 examples of magnificent ancient Greek architecture.

Parthenon, Acropolis

The Parthenon is one of the most magnificent and influential buildings throughout Greek history. The structure is situated on top of the citadel of the Acropolis. The temple was dedicated to the Athena the patron of Athenians and the goddess of wisdom. The Parthenon was built to commemorate the Hellenic victory over the Persians, but it also serves as a symbol of Athenian democracy, western civilisation, and ancient Greece. The building has served many purposes throughout its existence from a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in the 1460s to a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the last decade of the sixth century.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus has been a significant part of the Greek culture since ancient times. The theatre is a magnificent stone structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens. The structure was built by Herodes of Atticus, who it was named after, in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.

Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was dedicated to “Olympian� Zeus. It’s also known as the Columns of the Olympian Zeus or Olympieion. The former colossal temple is nested at the centre of the Greek capital Athens. The building of the Temple commenced in the 6th Century by Peisistratos but the construction was halted for unknown reasons. It was finally completed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD, 638 years after its construction began.

Temple of Artemis, Corfu

The temple of Artemis was built in an ancient city on Corfu which is in the suburbs of the city of Garitsa. Of all the Greek temples, it was the first to be constructed from stone in the Doric style. Built in 580 BC, the temple was the biggest temple of its time, measuring 49m by 23.46m. Due to its magnificence and authenticity, the temple became a landmark in ancient Greek architecture. The temple is also listed among the 150 masterpieces of Western architecture. If you are considering to buy a property close to the temple and in the beautiful island of Corfu, do not hesitate to visit, rrcorfurealestate.com.

Temple of Hera, Olympia

This is an ancient Archaic Greek temple which was built in 590 BC and dedicated to the queen of the Greek goddesses, Hera. It is believed that the temple was first constructed from wood which was later replaced by a stone structure. Like many of the temples from ancient Greece, the temple of Hera was built following the aesthetics of Doric architecture. The temple had 16 columns. The beautiful House of Hera was destroyed by an earthquake in the fourth century AD.