Bassae, also known as Bassae of Phigalia, is an ancient Greek temple located in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The temple is dedicated to the god Apollo Epikourios, and it is considered one of the best examples of ancient Greek architecture.
The temple was constructed in the mid-5th century BC, during the Classical period of Greece, and it was designed by the architect Iktinos, who was also one of the architects of the Parthenon in Athens. The temple is made of local limestone and marble and is located in the mountains, near the village of Skliros, in the region of Messenia.
The temple is renowned for its unique design, which combines elements of both the Doric and Ionic orders of Greek architecture. The temple has a rectangular plan and is surrounded by a colonnade of 23 Doric columns on the long sides and 6 Ionic columns on the short sides. The interior of the temple features a cella, or inner chamber, where the statue of Apollo Epikourios was housed.
The temple was rediscovered in the 18th century by British architect and antiquarian James Stuart, who was traveling through the area. The temple was in a state of disrepair and had been partially covered by landslide debris. The restoration of the temple began in the 20th century and was completed in the 1990s.
Today, the temple of Bassae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to visitors who wish to explore its ancient architecture and learn about the history of the region.