The Acropolis and the Parthenon

3 years ago

0 ratings

Culture-Historical Building Culture-Temple

Start the day at the Acropolis, the famous ancient citadel that looms majestically over Athens. No matter how many times you visit, the sight of the ancient marble-columned temples standing proudly above the city is nothing short of spectacular. It’s best to arrive early, or close to dusk, especially during Athens’ hot summers, as the beating sun reflects back off the marble structures during the heat of the day. You’ll enter the Acropolis through the Propylaea, or the “gateway” to the Acropolis. Once inside, look out in particular for the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and – of course – the Parthenon. These historically important structures are all thought to date back to the fifth century BC, when their construction was ordered by the Greek statesman Pericles. All of the buildings have been damaged over time by various sieges, but they still give an incredible insight into ancient Athens. The Erechtheion was named for Erectheus, a demi-god and mythical king of Athens. It was largely built to glorify both Athens itself and the patron goddess of the city, Athena, but it was also a shrine for other mythical beings and gods, including Hephaistos and Poseidon. The Temple of Athena Nike is one of the smallest buildings on the Acropolis, and dedicated to “Athena of Victory”, paying respect to Athena’s role in protecting Athens. The temple was taken apart by the Ottoman Empire in 1687, but it was restored in the early nineteenth century, with some of its most important elements being removed to the Acropolis Museum for safekeeping. And finally, the greatest structure on the hill is the Parthenon. Dedicated to Athena, it is thought to be the best example of Doric architecture. Its cellar housed a huge statue of Athena by the sculptor Phidias (his Statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), as well as the city’s treasury, and was the largest Doric Greek Temple. You can learn more about the Acropolis at the Acropolis Museum (see below). Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay