The second half of the eighteenth and the entire nineteenth century represent a true golden era for the architects who were also considered archaeologists. They could, therefore, organize all sorts of expeditions, primarily oriented towards the collection of Greek works of art, which could be used as models for the neo-classical constructions in Europe. This tendency was gradually followed by excavations, aiming not only to the discovery of famous monuments and sites, but also to their study and publication with perfect scientific methodology. These architects were primarily interested in temples, of which they pursued to retrace their origin and evolution. After the foundation of the French Archaeological School and the German Archaeological Institute of Athens, the architects continued to play an important part in the great excavations. Through their work in Greece as well as in Asia Minor and South Italy they essentially contributed in forming the canon of the orders and made the ancient Greek religious architecture widely known. This article deals with certain remarkable personalities among them.