OVERVIEW
Thassa is an important patron goddess for Meletis and her
temple in the harbor proves it. Facing the harbor and preceded
by a majestic statue of the goddess of the Sea, the temple
opens with two buildings in the shape of an embrace over
the harbor square. Its entire exterior frieze represents the
Calafeia in all its stages and as a procession of images united
by waves.
From this entrance you enter the main hall where
an image of Thassa opens behind an artificial waterfall. The
waterfall creates dancing imagery reflected in the rushing water throughout the room. Wave
and ripple motifs dominate here, with no humanoid figures,
only fish, dolphins and corals. The feeling inside is that of a
sea cave, a throne for the goddess.
Its other entrance, to the
northeast, opens onto the large square of Korinna, decorated
with an image of the mythical queen, with sculptures of tritons
and dolphins and a floor covered with mosaic with marine
motifs. The square is a romantic place for couples in love
at any time and also a frequent area for love dramas. It is a
tradition for anyone wishing to venture to the Dakra Islands to
approach the fountain to ask forgiveness from the queen for
the affront that ended her life.
The buildings on either side of the temple serve on the upper
floor as the residence of the priests and the lower floor as the
port market and customs buildings, where officials and priests mix
their roles in permitting and price hearing.
Location Description
Outside
As you near the harbor of Meletis, the Temple of Thassa Pelagia reveals itself. Standing proudly facing the harbor, the temple is marked by a grand statue of Thassa, goddess of the Sea. The temple's architecture, resembling two arms in an embrace, extends over the harbor square, symbolizing Thassa's protective hold over the sea and its travelers.
The exterior of the temple is adorned with a frieze depicting the Calafeia, a series of images connected by wave motifs, creating a sense of continuous motion. The sound of the sea, the salty air, and the cries of seagulls fill the crisp air.
As you approach, the temple's intricate details come into sharper focus - the waves, the creatures of the sea, all skillfully carved, tell stories of the deep and its mysteries. The air is tinged with the briny scent of the sea, mingling with the faint aroma of incense used in the temple's rituals.
Inside
Crossing the threshold of the temple, you enter the main hall, where the ambiance transforms into an underwater realm. Here, an image of Thassa emerges from behind an artificial waterfall, its sound filling the room with a powerful, continuous rumble, reminiscent of the sea's unending movement.
The interior is designed to mimic a sea cave, a fitting throne for the goddess. Wave and ripple motifs dominate, with no human figures, only representations of fish, dolphins, and corals. The air feels cool and damp, carrying the fresh scent of water and a subtle touch of sea salt. The lighting, filtered through the water and reflecting off the surfaces, creates a serene, ethereal glow.
The northeast entrance opens onto the large Korinna square, adorned with an image of the mythical queen and sculptures of tritons and dolphins. The square, with its romantic ambiance and marine-themed mosaic floor, is a popular spot for couples and a stage for heartfelt love dramas. The sound of water gently flowing from the fountain blends with the whispers of lovers and the occasional dramatic outburst.
Flanking the temple, the adjoining buildings serve dual purposes. The upper floors house the residence of the priests, while the lower floors bustle with port market and customs activities. Here, officials and priests perform their roles, overseeing permits and price hearings, their voices mingling with the general hubbub of the marketplace.
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