Monopteros
![]() |
East of the Parthenon lay the foundations of a small monopteros attributed by the first excavators of the Acropolis to the Temple of Rome and the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus. It is thought to be the sole Roman temple on the Acropolis and the only Athenian temple dedicated to the cult of the Emperor Augustus. The temple is securely dated after 27 B.C., when Octavian was proclaimed Augustus – most probably between 19 and 17 B.C. (Text credit: Inscription at the archaeological site.) |
The terms monopteros, monopteral and monopteron are used to describe a building with a single row of columns (or pteron) on all sides. The building is typically circular and lacks walls, so the colonnade supports the roof.
During ancient Greek and Roman times, monopteros frequently served as temples (referred to as monopteron temples) without inner chambers or cella.
This style of building later appeared in baroque and neoclassical architecture, sometimes featured in European gardens in the form of follies, eyecatchers, pavilions or gazebos.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.
ICE and BSI launch revised PAS 128 standard.
The revised standard for mapping underground utilities.
Launching the UK net zero carbon buildings standard.
Cross-industry steering group seeks support in delivery.
How to write an inspection and test plan.
Help us update process pieces from your field.
APM report explores existing practice.
Previous reflections on mental health with CIAT.
COVID-19 and the importance of mental wellbeing.
IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS
As Professionally Qualified Person (PQP).
The Queens speech; bill by bill for 2022.
In order of relevance and with industry responses.
Mental Health awareness week, May 9-15.
Raising awareness of the impacts of loneliness.
Rapidly renewable materials and construction.
The list is growing, and in more ways than one.
Personal experiences of infrastructure maintenance issues.
We shouldn’t build new, If we can’t maintain what's built.
Mass timber: challenges and potential solutions.
Timber Accelerator Hub phase 1 report