The tale of Cupid and Psyche unfolds in a sequence of captivating settings that reflect both the mythical and the tangible aspects of their journey. From the bustling city where Psyche was born to the divine realms she navigates, each location offers a glimpse into the ancient Greek world and the intricate storyline of love, trials, and eventual redemption.

Home City

Psyche's journey begins in a vibrant city, possibly located on the historic island of Crete. This bustling metropolis, adorned with altars and temples dedicated to Venus, used to be a hub of worship. However, as pilgrims from across the lands flock to admire Psyche's unrivaled beauty, these sacred places fall into neglect. The city is structured typically like many ancient Greek settlements, with a steep hill leading to a cliff top that overlooks a deep valley. On this elevated point, Psyche's bier is laid, marking the beginning of her extraordinary tale.

Cupid’s Mansion

Descending from the mortal realm, Psyche becomes the mistress of Cupid's enchanted mansion, nestled in a luxuriant valley. This idyllic environment, with its flower-dappled meadows and pristine springs, serves as a haven of tranquility. The mansion itself is a marvel, with opulent architecture featuring roofs of costly woods supported by golden and ivory pillars. Inside, a grand hall paved with marble showcases intricate mosaics made of colored stones. Golden lamps and statues accentuate the elegance, while a silver bath and a golden dining table ensure Psyche's comfort. Invisible attendants cater to her every need, enhancing the mansion's otherworldly charm.

Temple of Ceres

In her quest to reunite with Cupid, Psyche visits the Temple of Ceres, perched on the hills above the lush plains of Cisamos. This shrine, reminiscent of many Greek temples, is characterized by its stately pillars and a staircase leading to its grand entrance. Within, the chaos of corn ears in heaps, sickles, and tools strewn about betrays the fervor of past worshippers. Despite the disorder, the temple remains a symbolic stop in Psyche's journey, reflecting the divine intervention she seeks.

Venus’s House

The journey takes a darker turn when Psyche arrives at Venus's abode on Mount Olympus. Here, she faces a series of seemingly insurmountable tasks. Within one room, an impossible mix of seeds is sorted by the intervention of diligent ants, while elsewhere, Cupid remains imprisoned. The house, with its golden gates, sits amidst a landscape where a river runs alongside woods roamed by Venus's fierce, golden-fleeced sheep. Nearby, the sacred reeds, from which Pan makes his pipes, whisper in the breeze. From this vantage point, one can see the mountaintop waterfall, the source of the River Styx, as it cascades into a gorge enveloped in mist, watched over by the unblinking eyes of dragons peering from the rocky walls.

Tartarus

Psyche's path ultimately leads her toward the underworld, a journey marked by her visit to the moss-covered tower of Tartarus. Situated near the Laconian shore, this tower guides her toward the entrance of the underworld, lying southward along the Taenarian promontory, close to the temple of Poseidon. The gateway to the underworld is a foreboding cave leading to the River Styx, where Charon, the spectral ferryman, awaits to transport souls across for a modest fee. Cerberus, the fearsome three-headed guardian, stands vigil over the gate, completing the ominous threshold through which Psyche must pass to fulfill her destiny.