The Ministry of Culture is proceeding with a new lighting design to for the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. The aim is to highlight the monument and its immediate surroundings, without interventions and alterations to its character, but also in a way that makes its volume and geometry immediately perceptible from every point of view.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, among other things, said: “Twenty years after the installation of the existing lighting of the Temple of Poseidon, in the context of the Olympic Games, the natural wear and tear of time, the failures and alterations to the luminaires, resulting in the deterioration of the lighting, require the installation of a modern lighting system. The Doric Temple of Poseidon is a landmark and a major tourist destination, due to its location on the edge of the Saronic Gulf, visible from many different sea routes. The new lighting aims to highlight the volume, plasticity and geometry of the monument from every possible viewing point and distance, while avoiding light pollution. The luminaires will be environmentally friendly, offering significant energy savings. At the same time, they ensure quality and durability over time.”

Important care was given to the visual perception during the day and during the visiting hours of the archaeological site, so that all the elements of the installation and the luminaires do not constitute an obstacle to the visitors’ tour, nor do they cause visual disturbance. The positions of the luminaires, as well as all wiring and electrical installations, were designed in suitable locations for the uninterrupted operation of the site. The installation is based on the existing cabling infrastructure, with cable additions for the new luminaire locations, following an assessment of the condition of the existing cables and pipework.

The study has been prepared by the office of Eleftheria Deko and her associates.