Temple of Apollo Epicurius: A majestic tribute to a merciful god

The name is not derived from the philosopher Epicurus (hence Epicurean), but from “epikouria” (assistance in Greek) that Apollo offered to the Phigaleians, the inhabitants of the most powerful city of Arcadia. Stricken by a plague epidemic, they took refuge in a 7th century BC temple, pinning their hopes on Apollo’s xoanon, i.e. a crude wooden statue that nevertheless worked a miracle. Exposing their battered bodies to the sun, the Phigaleians were healed and decided to dedicate a larger temple to their benefactor. The architect of their gratitude was none other than Ictinus, who not only designed one of the architectural masterpieces of antiquity, but also innovated by combining Archaic, Classical and traditional Arcadian elements.

In contrast to the usual east-west orientation of other cult buildings, the temple of Apollo Epicurius faces north. Most importantly, however, although it is primarily Doric, it features Ionic semi-columns in its interior and a Corinthian column in the centre. It is the first and only time that three different styles have been combined in a single temple. 

The entrance to the temple was made so that on the day of Apollo’s birthday the very first ray of sunlight would shine on the cult statue that was then kept inside the temple. Today, although the temple of Apollo Epicurius is covered by a protective shelter, it will be able to receive the first light of day again in the future, once the restoration work has been completed and the problems with its foundations have been resolved.