The Temple of Apollo – Portara
Greece
After the discovery of Naxos' backstreets, end your walk with the golden hours of the Aegean sunset at the Temple of Apollo
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1The Temple of Apollo – Portara
Welcome to the island of Naxos and its most iconic landmark: the Portara, or 'Great Door.' As you stand on this small islet of Palatia, connected to the main town by a narrow causeway, you are looking at the magnificent entrance…
Listen in the app2The Massive Marble Monoliths
To truly appreciate the Portara, you must look at the sheer scale of the marble used in its construction. The gate consists of four massive slabs of Naxian marble, each weighing approximately twenty tons. …
Listen in the app3The Tyrant’s Ambition: Lygdamis
The story of the Portara is inextricably linked to the political ambition of Lygdamis. In the mid-6th century BC, Naxos was a dominant power in the Cyclades, and Lygdamis was its absolute ruler. …
Listen in the app4The Ritual of the Sunset
There is a reason why the crowds gather at the Portara as evening approaches. This site offers what many consider the best sunset in all of Greece. …
Listen in the app5The Islet of Palatia and the Causeway
The walk from the Chora, or the main town of Naxos, to the Portara is an essential part of the visit. You walk along a paved causeway, with the sea splashing on either side. …
Listen in the app6Myths of Ariadne and Dionysus
While the temple was dedicated to Apollo, the islet of Palatia is also home to one of the most famous myths in Greek antiquity: the abandonment of Ariadne. According to the legend, after Ariadne helped Theseus navigate the…
Listen in the app7Acoustics and the Aegean Wind
One often overlooked aspect of the Portara is its auditory environment. Standing in the center of the gate, you are in a natural wind tunnel. …
Listen in the app8The Temple of Apollo – Portara
As we walk back across the causeway toward the lights of Naxos town, take a final look back at the silhouette of the Portara against the darkening sky. We have explored the massive 20-ton stones, the failed ambitions of a tyrant,…
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What is The Temple of Apollo – Portara?
The Temple of Apollo – Portara is a place in Greece with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Greece |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 37.1103, 25.3724 |
| Last updated |