For thousands of years the
acropolis has been the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, the
link that connects the magnificent ancient civilization with
the modern. The Acropolis and its monuments, its history and
the
myths that are connected with it are rightly the pride and the
glory of this city, the envy of all other cities in the world.
There is no Greek or foreign visitor who does not want to make
the pilgrimage to the sacred rock and absorb its magnificence
and beauty. If you have never been to the Acropolis, we assure
you it is a unique and unforgettable experience. The Acropolis
you see today dates from the 5th century B.C., when Athens set
the tone for civilisation in Europe. On the sacred rock of the
Acropolis the monuments date from the prehistoric period to the
end of antiquity. The Acropolis Museum is also located on top
of
the rock.
The Parthenon. The pride and glory of Athens. Photo: Cecilia
The Parthenon is the unique masterpiece of the world. You will
realise it yourself the moment you stand in front of it
and
learn a little of its history and the secrets of its
construction. The beauty, harmony, and grace of this monument
make a really lasting impression on everyone who sees it.
Today admission to the Parthenon is prohibited due to the
restoration work that has been taking place there since 1983.
This will not prevent you from admiring this unique temple
dedicated to the goddess Athena and built of white marble from
Penteli. Under the Parthenon of the Classical times there
are remains of the monumental Ur-Parthenon, an Archaic temple
dated in the late 6 the century B.C. The architects of the
classical temple, which was constructed and decorated between
447 and 432 B.C. during the Golden Age of Perikles, were
Iktinos and Kallikrates.
Part of the Erechtheion:
The
Caryatids Photo:T Olivier
The Erechtheion was built in 420-4006 B.C. on that part of
the Acropolis held to be the most sacred; the place where goddess
Athena had caused her most sacred emblem, the olive tree, to
sprout. This tree was destroyed in later years by the invading
Persians. But when the Persians were finally driven off, legend
has it, that the tree miraculously grew again. The Caryatids,
the
figures of maidens that you see supporting the roof of the
south porch of the temple are copies. Five of the original
six Kores can be seen in the Acropolis Museum, the sixth can
be seen in the British Museum...
Photo van Bas Hessels.
The temple of Athena Nike was erected to the south
of the Propylaea (the glorious entrance to the
Acropolis), about 420 B.C., to commemorate the
victories of the Greeks over the Persians. The
architect of this temple was Kallikrates. This place
is so unique that there has been a temple on this
exact spot since prehistoric times. On the left is
the Erechteion and straight ahead the Parthenon.
The Temple of Athena Nike. Photo: Ina T.
Acropolis.
Photo: Kostas Natsidis
Acropolis. Photo: Kostas Natsidis
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Source: Greek
National Tourism Organisation
