The surrounding area of Attica, a land endowed by nature, has been one of the major spiritual centers of Greece since the ancient times. The important historical and archaeological sites, Byzantine monuments, the massif, fertile valleys and clean coasts in combination with its proximity to Athens offer a very attractive outlet for daily trips to whoever wants, even for a while to escape from the tension and the city pace.

AMFIAREION

Although Amphiaraus was not a very well known deity of ancient Greek mythology, he was famous enough to be dedicated twelve temples and sanctuaries which nowadays are widely known. His popularity was derived from his curative and clairvoyance abilities. According to mythology, he was not born but he just sprung out of a spring, which was located close to his temple in Oropos. He participated in the Argonaut expedition and later in the siege of Thiva by Argioi, where Zeus himself intervened to save his life.

Out of all of his temples in Greece the most important one is Amfiarion located in a gorge on the place where Attica shares boarders with Viotia. In the same area dominates an ancient theatre which can seat 3.000 spectators. Pay attention to the five white marble seats around the stage, which carry bas-relief decorations and inscriptions. The temple is close to the spring mentioned in Amfiaraos myth. It is of Doric style built during the 4th century B.C. but most of the ruins surrounding it date back to the 6th century B.C.

How to go there

By car: You can reach Amfiarion by driving 48 km from Athens, on the road to Oropos which you will see on your right hand on the National Road Athens-Lamia.