Brauron

Brauron, also known as Vravrona, is an archaeological site on the eastern coast of Attica, Greece. It is the site of the ancient sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia, located near the modern town of Vravrona about 40 kilometers east of central Athens. The sanctuary was a major religious center in the Archaic and Classical periods, associated with the worship of Artemis as Brauronia, goddess of the hunt, childbirth, and protection of women. The most famous ritual connected with Brauron is the Arkteia or "bear rite," in which young girls participated in processions and dances before Artemis, wearing saffron-colored garments and presenting offerings.

The site preserves remains of the temple of Artemis Brauronia, as well as adjoining structures such as a monumental gate (propylon), a stoa, altars, and the precinct enclosure. In later periods a small theatre was added to the complex. The layout and sculptural finds provide evidence of the cult's prominence in Attica and its interaction with nearby communities. The first systematic excavations began in the late 19th century, and later work expanded understanding of the sanctuary's plan and functions. Today Brauron is an archaeological site and park that is open to visitors and forms part of Greece's national cultural heritage. Finds from Brauron are curated in regional museums and contribute to the study of early Greek religion and ritual practice.