Understanding Peripters in Ancient Greek Architecture

Peripter (Greek: περίπτερος, "surrounding") is a term used in ancient Greek architecture to describe a type of colonnade or porch that surrounds a building or a courtyard. The peripteral colonnade consists of a series of columns that support the roof and define the edges of the structure.

In the case of a temple, for example, the peripter would be the colonnade that surrounds the cella (the inner sanctuary) and the pronaos (the outer porch). The columns of the peripter would support the weight of the roof and create a covered walkway around the temple.

The use of peripters was particularly common in ancient Greek temples, where they served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, the peripter provided shade and protection from the elements for worshipers and visitors. Symbolically, the peripter created a sense of enclosure and defined the sacred space within the temple.