Temple of Hephaestus

The basics

Dedicated to the god of the forge, the Temple of Hephaestus was once surrounded by foundries and metalwork shops. Built in 450 BC in a Doric style, the temple today is one of the highlights of Athens’ ancient Agora. Join a private or small-group Agora walking tour that includes a stop at the temple; visiting with a guide is vital to appreciate the ruins. Most tours include skip-the-line tickets—a must to avoid a long wait—and a visit to the Agora Museum.

For a deep dive into ancient Greece, visit both the Agora and Acropolis in a single tour by foot, bike, Segway, or scooter. Some itineraries go as far as Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. If you’re traveling as a family, kid-friendly tours are a great way for everyone to experience the archaeological sites.  

Things to know before you go

• The Temple of Hephaestus and other ruins in the Agora of Athens are outdoors, so guard against the unforgiving Mediterranean sun with a hat and sunscreen.
• You’ll be spending a significant amount of time on your feet to explore the ruins, so choose comfortable shoes.
• Make visiting this ancient temple captivating for kids by touring with a family-friendly guide who can make the site and its history engaging for younger travelers.
• Some areas of the Agora, including the Temple of Hephaestus and Agora Museum, are accessible to wheelchairs.

How to get there

The Temple of Hephaestus is part of the ancient Agora perched above the modern city of Athens near the Acropolis. Take the metro (green line) to the Thissio station, and walk about five minutes along Adrianous Street to the Agora entrance.

When to get there

The Agora of Athens is open every day except major holidays. The site has very little shade and temperatures soar during the midday hours in summer. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day and peak visiting hours.

Honoring the God of the Forge

Hephaestus is the Greek god of volcanoes and metalworking, and he was the only one of the Olympic gods who was not physically perfect and had to perform manual labor. He was the god responsible for crafting the armor with the fatal weakness that was worn by Achilles in the Iliad. Statues of Hephaestus can be found in the temple, as well as statues of Athena and several friezes depicting scenes with other gods.

Ways to explore

The Temple of Hephaestus—sometimes known as the Theseum or Thisio—forms part of the Ancient Agora of Athens archaeological site and is included in your ticket. Visiting with a guide helps understand the temple and its context, and most private or small-group Agora walking tours stop by. Many tours also offer skip-the-line tickets—a must to avoid a long wait—and a visit to the Agora Museum. For a deep dive into ancient Greece, discover the area’s intellectual history on a walking tour centered on philosophy or democracy. If you’re traveling as a family, kid-friendly tours help everyone enjoy the sights.

Accessibility

The Temple of Hephaestus is wheelchair accessible. However, the wheelchair route uses a separate entrance to the main Ancient Agora of Athens entrance, located at Thiseion Square on Apostolou Pavlou Street.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen is a must when visiting Athens in summer, while a reusable water bottle saves both cash and plastic waste.

What to wear

Sun hat, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Smoking, eating, drinking (except water)

Amenities

The Ancient Agora of Athens has restrooms, a museum shop, and water bottle filling stations.

Address

The Temple of Hephaestus is part of the Ancient Agora of Athens, a few minutes walk north of the Acropolis.

Driving

Both parking and driving in Athens’ historic center are very challenging. Walk, use public transportation, take a taxi or a rideshare, or join a tour.

Public transportation

Thissio station (line 1)—sometimes written Thisio or Thiseio—is less than a 10-minute walk from the Agora entrance.

Best times to visit

The Ancient Agora of Athens opens from 8am to 5pm during winter (November through March), and 8am to 7:30pm during summer (April through August). Closing times get steadily earlier through September and October. In summer, aim to visit early in the day or during the evening to avoid the worst of the crowds and the midday heat.

Best days to visit

The Ancient Agora of Athens is closed on January 1, March 25, May 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, December 25, and December 26. Free entrance means huge crowds on March 6, April 18, May 18, October 28, and the last weekend of September. Aim to visit midweek.

Best months to visit

Plan trips for the shoulder months of April (excluding Easter dates) and October to see Athens’ top sights without as many crowds.