This famous temple to the god of healing and the sun was built
towards the middle of the 5th century B.C. in the lonely heights
of the Arcadian mountains. The temple, which has the oldest
Corinthian capital yet found, combines the Archaic style and the
serenity of the Doric style with some daring architectural
features. Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae Isolated as it is
in a conserved environment, the Temple of Bassae is an
outstanding example of a Hellenic votive sanctuary in a rural
setting. It represents a unique artistic achievement, remarkable
for its archaic features (elongated surface, an exceptional
proportion of 15 columns on the longer side and 6 columns on the
facade, and a north-south exposure), and for its daring
innovations (the use of Ionic and Corinthian orders for a Doric
edifice, the variety of materials used, and the originality of
the layout of the cella and the adyton). The Temple was
dedicated by the inhabitants of Philagia to Apollo Epicurius,
the god-healer who had come to their ai