The Epikourios Apollo Temple
The Epikourios Apollo Temple in Vasses in the Figalia area is one of the most impressive ancient ones.
It was dedicated to Apollo by the Figalis people because the God had helped them get over a plague outbreak.
The temple rises at an altitude of 1.130 metres, with a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks and the Ionian Sea.
It was built during the second half of the 5th century BC (420-410 BC) and it is attributed to Iktinos, the architect who built the Parthenon.
This monument, which is probably the best surviving one built during the classical times, was the first monument in Greece to be declared as a monument of UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1986.
In 1814, part of the frieze of the temple was detached and was found to be exhibited in the archeological museum in London. Even if the temple has been vandalized, it has remained in an excellent condition.
Today, a canopy protects the temple from the weather conditions until the restoration project is finished, but, even under it, it doesn’t stop being equally impressive.
If you decide to reach its location, combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Neda.