It has been welcoming visitors to Piraeus for 2,500 years, since it’s the first ancient Athenian landmark one sees when approaching by sea. Prior to the temple’s construction, the location was cited as holy grounds by Homer and Herodotus and signs of habitation stretch back to 2,800 BC. Due to its strategic point, it also served as a watchtower, guarding the passage to Piraeus and the rich surrounding silver mines.