The famous Acropolis of Athens is the main attraction and calling card of the Greek capital, as well as an important historical, archaeological and architectural monument (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Ancient fortification
The word "acropolis" from ancient Greek translates as "upper city" or "fortress". As a rule, acropolises were built on inaccessible hills and were well fortified, thus providing an excellent shelter in case of warfare.
The world-famous Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel perched on top of a rocky 156-metre high hill overlooking Athens with many, unfortunately, only partially preserved to this day beautiful ancient temples and other structures.
Archaeological excavations have revealed that the hill was inhabited as early as the 4th millennium BC, was most likely used in the Mycenaean era and was actively built up in the Archaic period. In 480 BC during the Greco-Persian War the Acropolis was thoroughly destroyed by the Persians. A new large-scale construction on the Acropolis began in 447 BC on the initiative of Pericles, and mostly buildings of this period have survived to this day.
Acropolis Ensemble
Among the most interesting and impressive structures of the Acropolis, the monumental Propylaea, a marble covered gateway with five aisles in the central part and portico wings adjoining it on both sides, one of which once housed the Pinacotheca, certainly deserve special attention. The Propylaea are made of white Pentelian marble with inclusions of darker Eleusinian marble and harmoniously combine in their architecture Doric and Ionic orders. To the right of the Propylaea, on a steep rocky ledge lined with marble, is the Temple of Niki Aptheros.
Of particular interest is the legendary Parthenon, the main temple of ancient Athens and a magnificent monument of ancient architecture, built in honour of the goddess Athena, the patroness of Athens and the whole of Attica. White Pentelian marble was also used for the construction of the temple. The famous ancient Greek sculptor Phidias was engaged in artistic design (today some parts of masterpieces of his sculptural art can be seen in the largest museums of the world).
The Erechtheion, which has no analogues in ancient Greek architecture, is no less interesting. Due to the combination of several sanctuaries in it (the eastern part of the temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the western part to Poseidon and King Erechtheion), it has an original asymmetrical layout. The south side of the temple is adjoined by the famous Pandroseion portico, the architrave of which is supported by six marble statues of girls (karyotides).
On the south-eastern and southern slopes of the Acropolis you can still see two ancient theatres - the Theatre of Dionysus (under reconstruction) and the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus. The latter is still in use today and is the main stage of the annual Athens Festival.
The New Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill, which opened its doors to the public in June 2009, is also worth a visit. The fantastic collection of unique ancient artefacts and various architectural fragments collected during the archaeological excavations of the Acropolis of Athens is considered to be one of the best collections of its kind in the world.
On a side note
- Location: Acropoli, Athens
- Nearest metro stations: "Acropolis"
- Official website: http://odysseus.culture.gr
- Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 20.00.
- Tickets: adult - 12 euros, concession - 6 euros, under 19 years old - free of charge.
