Archaeological Site of Vravrona

Archaeological Site of Vravrona

In Attica, one of the earliest, most revered sanctuaries used to be the sanctuary of the Vravronian Artemis. During the Neolithic Period, at the inner bay of Vravron, an important settlement was established.

Throughout the ages of 2000 to 1600 B.C., meaning from Middle Helladic to early Mycenaean times, it flourished. It was the region of the deme Philaidai. This ancient goddess, the Vravronian Artemis, was mainly worshipped as the goddess of vegetation and hunting as well as the protector of women in child birth as of the infants.

Iphigeneia died as a priestess of Artemis and was buried in Vravron to be honored as the Goddess of Childbirth. Every 4 years, the sanctuary of Artemis had a very central role and was renowned for  the Vravronian Festival while Athens was making a procession to the sanctuary of Vravron. In 1948, and under the direction of Ioannes Papadimitriou, the Greeks began systematic excavation of the sanctuary.

There are 4 large and notable monuments on this site. There is a big stoa with a Π shape ground plan. It was built around the 4th Century B.C. and it was placed in the interior courtyard, which opened toward the temple of Aphrodite.

 

In late 1960's, this stoa was restored by the Professor Ch. Bouras. One can find as well the the Temple of Artemis. It is a Doric sanctuary, which is erected in an earlier archaic temple. It is a prostyle temple with a deep "adyton" and a tripartite cella.

It is said to have been built on the 5th Century B.C.. The 3rd monument is the temple of Iphigeneia. It is built on the site of the Sacred Cave which, when the cave's roof collapsed, was connected with the tomb and the worship of Iphigeneia. Evidence of this cult was first referred to in 8th Century B.C.. The 4th monument of the area of Vravron is the stone bridge crossing the river of Erasinos.