The temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae in Figaleia is one of the most important and imposing of antiquity. It was dedicated by the Figaleans to Apollo because he helped them overcome a plague epidemic. The temple rises at 1,130 meters, in the center of the Peloponnese, on the mountains between Ilia, Arcadia and Messinia and is located 14 km south of Andritsaina and 11 km northeast of Perivolia. Administratively it belongs to the Municipality of Oichalia. The temple was erected in the second half of the 5th century BC (420-410 BC?) and is attributed to Iktinos, the architect of the Parthenon. This monument, one of the best preserved of classical antiquity, was the first in Greece to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Part of the temple’s frieze was detached in 1814 and is exhibited at the British Museum in London. It is noted that the correct spelling of the word “epikourios” is with an “i” and not “epikoureios”, as it comes from the fact that in ancient Greek mythology Apollo had patronized the area and not from Epicurus and the Epicureans (e.g. pythagorean: from Pythagoras), while this spelling was already used by Pausanias.
Location – Transition
View of the temple from inside the roof
The classical temple is founded on the natural rock of Mount Kotiliou on a specially shaped field. The location of the temple was called Vassai (small valleys) in antiquity and hosted since the 7th century BC a sanctuary of Apollo Vassitas founded by the neighboring Figales, who worshipped the god with the epithet Epicourios, meaning helper, supporter in war or illness. The first temple also experienced later phases, around 600 and around 500 BC, from which numerous architectural elements have survived. The transition to the Temple of Apollo Epicourios is from the coastal village of Tholos, through Nea Figaleia (Figaleia) Elis along the Neda River. The road is paved but very strenuous due to its narrowness and bends. It is emphasized that this is a strenuous transition and return. This access is from the west. From the East, access is via Tripoli and Megalopolis. The road signs are excellent.
