The gate of the Naxos temple

Norsk utgave (Norwegian edition)

When arriving to Naxos by ferry, the island’s most famous landmark, "the gate", can be spotted a mile away. This is all that is left of what was once to become a grand Apollon temple. The construction of the temple was started during times of prosperity around the year 530 b.c, but was never finished, and throughout the years most of the blocks of marble have been removed and used in the construction of other buildings. What is left of the temple today is only this 6 metre high frontal gate, as well as parts of the foundation wall. The idea of this gate standing like this for more than 2500 years without collapsing is incredible. Especially considering the number of powerful earthquakes that have hit the area throughout the years.

The gate with Naxos town in the background.

The temple is situated on the highest point of a small island which is connected to Naxos town by a beautifully masoned gangway. The location of the island is just to the north of the town and it’s only about 5 to 10 minutes by foot. Hundreds of touristst gather here at sundown and it’s highly recommendable to be here at that particular time, even though it can get somewhat crowded. The sunset is beautiful from this site, but because of the fact that the situation of the temple is at such a high point of this naked island, the wind can get quite rough. The gate is a much sought-after motive for photography. When the sun sets, people line up and struggle for the better position from which to get the best picture. I too have spent an entire evening up here shooting more than 40 pictures of which none came out right.

his is the motive people fight over. It’s a shame it came out so dark. I’ll have to open a few more aperture adjustments next time.

 

The gate is perfect for romancing in the sunset.

 

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Thanks to Helle K. F. Olsen, Norway for her translation into English!
© Jan Bergtun, 22. May 2000	Updated, 09.24.2011
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