The Temple at Klopedi

The Archaic Period sacred buildings in the archeological site of Klopedi, close to Aghia Paraskevi, are rare specimens of Aeolian-order architecture. This is demonstrated by the architectural fragments and the Aeolian capitals found scattered throughout this area, made of trachyte. This is volcanic rock blown out of the Lepetymnos volcano and subsequently mined in the ancient quarry nearby. The temple was founded in the eighth century BC on top of the remnants of an earlier Late Bronze Age temple. The place of worship of the deity (replaced later in the 7^th century BC by the god Apollo) was initially housed in a twin-space elliptical building measuring 13.50×8.50 m. Inside this space a clay head of a female figurine was found dating back to Mycenaean times, 17 cm tall, thus demonstrating the origins of worship in this building going back to the end of the second millennium BC, probably a vegetation and fertility goddess.

The temple of Apollo Napeaus at Klopedi was an exceptionally significant  religious center in the Archaic Era. Worship continued as late as the Hellenistic Age and the Roman times. Today this archeological site of the Aeolian temple of Klopedi is fully organized and accessible for the wider public.

Contact Information: 

Address: Klopedi, Aghia Paraskevi, 811 02, Lesvos

Tel: (+30) 22510 22087, (+30) 22510 40716, (+30) 22510 42589,  (+30) 22510 40135, (+30) 22510 40136

E-mail: efales@culture.gr