In distant, legendary times, when the Achaean kings erected “fortified” palaces made of huge stone blocks, and their squads attacked Crete and the coast of the Aegean Sea, in Attica, on the Acropolis - a rocky hill 156 m high, located in the center of the plain, irrigated by the Ilissus River and its tributary Eridanus, the city of Cecropia arose, the future world famous Athens...
The best time to view the ruins of the Acropolis is in the early summer morning or evening. At dawn, the first rays of the sun, sliding along the slopes of the Parneta and Aigaleia mountains, paint the rocks of Salamis pinkish-violet, run along the peaks of the Pnyx and Areopagus and linger for a long time on the Acropolis. The evening sun gilds and ignites the Parthenon; the clear air gives lively movement to the shadows, and it seems that the ruins are as beautiful as the newly built temples were once beautiful. In the middle of the day the Acropolis is flooded bright light, lengthening the black shadows of the capitals and column ceilings. At this hour the sun burns like molten metal, blinding the eyes. And on those rare days in Athens, when the sky darkens, as before a storm, the temples on the mountain become dull and gray, like the ashes of bygone centuries...
According to legend, he founded Athens legendary king Kekrop. The Greeks attributed to him the establishment of monogamous marriage, the founding of 12 cities, the prohibition of human sacrifices and the establishment of the cult of Zeus the Thunderer, Olympian Zeus. The name of another legendary king, Erichthonius (or Erechtheus, although there is great confusion in the identification of these two names), the son of the blacksmith god Hephaestus and the Earth goddess Gaia, is associated with the establishment of the cult of the goddess Athena in Attica and the renaming of Cecropia in her honor, the beginning of coinage, introduction of chariot racing. A descendant of Erichthonius was King Aegeus, whose son. Theseus killed the Minotaur and freed Athens from heavy tribute to Crete. Theseus, who became the king of Athens after his return from Crete, is considered the founder of Athenian democracy.
To distant legendary times Legends lead us away about how it arose.
...the magnificent city of Athens,
The region of King Erechtheus, whom Mother Earth gave birth to in ancient centuries, was raised by Pallas Athena.
And she brought her to Athens, and installed her in her brilliant temple. Homer. Iliad
Back in the 2nd millennium BC. the territory of the Acropolis coincided with the original territory of Athens and was surrounded by defensive walls. Particularly powerful fortifications were built on the western, flat side of the hill. Enneapylon, the “Nine Gates”, a bastion with nine gates, was erected here. Behind the walls was the ancient palace of the Athenian kings - the “Palace of Erechtheus”. Later, the sanctuary of the goddess Athena appeared in this palace, and even later, all buildings of a secular nature found other places, and the Acropolis turned into the center of the religious life of ancient Athens. The name of the Sacred Rock was assigned to it - there were numerous sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patroness of the city.
Athens, named after the daughter of Zeus Athena, served as the main center of the cult of this goddess. According to Greek mythology, Athena emerged fully armed from the head of Zeus. This was the beloved daughter of the thunder god, whom he could not refuse anything. The eternally virgin goddess of the sky, she, along with Zeus, sent thunder and lightning, but also warmth and light. Athena is a warrior goddess who repels the blows of enemies; patroness of agriculture, national civic assemblies; the embodiment of pure reason, highest wisdom; goddess of science and art. Climbing the Acropolis hill, ancient Hellene as if he was entering the kingdom of this many-faced goddess.
The creation of the majestic ensemble of the Acropolis is associated with the victory of the Greeks in Greco-Persian wars Oh. Representatives of all Greek cities, meeting in 449 BC, accepted the plan for the development of the Sacred Rock proposed by Pericles. The grandiose architectural and artistic ensemble was supposed to become a worthy monument to the great victory. The wealth of Athens and its dominant position provided Pericles with ample opportunities in the construction he planned. To decorate the famous city, he drew funds at his own discretion from the temple treasuries, and even from the general treasury of the states of the Athenian Maritime League.
Whole mountains of snow-white marble, mined nearby, were delivered to the foot of the Acropolis. The best Greek architects, sculptors and painters considered it an honor to work for the glory of the generally recognized capital of Hellenic art. Several architects participated in the construction of the Acropolis. But, according to Plutarch, Phidias was in charge of everything. In the entire ensemble one can feel the unity of its design and a single principle, which left its stamp on the details of all the main monuments.
The hill on which the monuments of the Acropolis were erected is uneven in its outline. The builders did not come into conflict with nature, but, accepting it as it is, ennobled it with their art, creating an ensemble that was more perfect in its harmony than nature. The harmonious buildings of the Acropolis reign over the shapeless block of rock, as if symbolizing the victory of reason over chaos. On an uneven hill, the ensemble is perceived gradually. Every monument lives in it own life, each is deeply individual, and its beauty is revealed to the eye in parts, without violating the unity of the impression.
Above the steep slope of the sacred hill, the architect Mnesicles erected the famous white marble buildings of the Propylaea - the ceremonial entrance to the Acropolis, with located on different levels Doric porticoes connected by an Ionic colonnade. Amazing the imagination, the majestic harmony of the Propylaea immediately introduced the visitor to the world of beauty affirmed by human genius. On the other side of the Propylaea stood a giant bronze statue of Athena Promachos, the warrior Athena, sculpted by Phidias, standing on the Acropolis square. The fearless daughter of Zeus personified the military power and glory of her city. From the foot of the statue, vast distances opened up, and the sailors rounding the southern tip of Attica clearly saw the high helmet and spear of the warrior goddess sparkling in the sun.
Beyond the square rose the columns of the Parthenon, the great temple, in the shadow of which once stood another statue of Athena, also sculpted by Phidias: the statue of the Virgin Athena, Athena Parthenos. Like Olympian Zeus, it was a chrysoelephantine statue, that is, made of gold and ivory. About 1200 kg of precious metal were used to make it. Today, only the evidence of ancient authors, a reduced copy that has survived to this day, and coins and medallions with the image of Athena give us an idea of this masterpiece of Phidias.
Over the past centuries, the columns of the Parthenon, which once shone with the whiteness of Pentelicon marble, seem to have been covered with a noble patina. Painted in brownish-golden tones, they stand out in relief against the blue sky. The Parthenon was the temple of Athena Polias (City Guardian) and was usually called simply the "Temple" or "Great Temple".
The Parthenon was built in 447-438. BC. architects Ictinus and Callicrates under the general direction of Phidias. In agreement with Pericles, he wished to embody the idea of triumphant democracy in this most important monument of the Acropolis. The design of the temple was carefully thought out. The book about the work of Ictinus and his assistant Catlicrates is unfortunately lost, but the very fact of its existence indicates a lot of preliminary theoretical work. This largely explains the speed of construction, which, according to Plutarch, bordered on a miracle: the temple was built in just 9 years. Finishing work continued until 432 BC.
The pinnacle of ancient architecture, the Parthenon was already recognized in ancient times as the most remarkable monument of the Doric style. It is almost impossible to notice with the naked eye that in its appearance... there are practically no straight lines. The Parthenon columns (eight on the facades and seventeen on the sides) are slightly inclined inward with a slight convex curvature of the horizontals of the base and ceiling. These subtle deviations from the canon are of decisive importance. Without changing its basic laws, the heavy Doric order here acquires a relaxed grace, which creates a powerful architectural image of impeccable clarity and purity.
The Erechtheion is the second most important monument of the Acropolis. In ancient times it was the main temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. And if the Parthenon was assigned the role of a public temple, then the Erechtheion is more of a priestly temple. The main sacraments associated with the worship of Athena were performed here, and an ancient statue of this goddess was kept here.
All the main shrines of Athens were concentrated within the walls of the Erechtheion. The temple itself was built on the site of the legendary dispute between Athena and Poseidon for power over Athens. According to legend, the gods gave the right to resolve this dispute to the elders of Athens. The judges decided to give victory to the god whose gift would be more valuable to the city. Poseidon struck with his trident and a salt spring gushed out of the slopes of the Acropolis. Athena struck with her spear and an olive tree grew on the Acropolis. This gift seemed more useful to the Athenians. Thus, Athena emerged victorious in the dispute, and the olive tree became the symbol of the city.
In one of the halls of the Erechtheion one could see the mark left by Poseidon's trident on the rock during his dispute with Athena. Since this shrine was always supposed to be under open air, holes were made in the ceiling of the portico, which are still preserved. Nearby was the entrance to the cave located under the temple, where the sacred snake of the goddess Athena lived, which was considered the personification of the legendary king and hero, patron of Athens Erechtheus (or Erichthonius - these two mythological heroes are sometimes separated, sometimes identified), after whom the temple received its name.
Under the northern portico of the temple, the tomb of Erechtheus was preserved, and in the western part there was a well with salt water. It was considered the very source that Poseidon created, and... According to legend, it communicated with the sea. In front of the Erechtheion, since ancient times, there has been a sacred olive tree, which grew from the blow of the spear of the goddess Athena, and in the corner of the western facade of the temple was the Kekropion - the grave and sanctuary of the legendary Kekrops, the first king of Attica. Above it today rises the world-famous portico of the caryatids - the architectural symbol of the Erechtheion. There is an assumption that the prototypes of the caryatids of the Erechtheion were the arrephors - ministers of the cult of Athena, chosen from the best families of Athens. Their functions included the production of the sacred peplos, with which the ancient statue of Athena, kept in the Erechtheion, was annually decorated.
The goddess Athena appears on the Acropolis and in another of her incarnations - Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. The first sanctuary of Nike on the Acropolis was destroyed by the Persians during the Greco-Persian Wars. In 448 BC, on the occasion of peace ending the war with the Persians. It was decided to build a new temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis, or, as it was also called, the temple of “Wingless Victory”: although the goddess of victory Nike was always depicted as winged, Athena the Victorious could not, and should not have had wings.
The nearby Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike complemented each other. Their architectural connection created a unique ensemble of the entrance to the sacred rock of the Acropolis. The temple was built by the architect Callicrates in 427-424. BC. This elegant small structure, built of marble, measures 5.6 x 8.3 m. In front of the Temple of Athena Nike stood an open-air altar intended for sacrifices.
During Turkish rule, the Nika Temple was dismantled and used to build fortifications. In the 1830s, after Greece gained independence, the Turkish fortification was carefully dismantled and the Nika Temple was rebuilt. In 1935-1940 it was reconstructed again, and now it appears in all its glory - of course, adjusted for the destructive effects of time. And, as we know, it is inexorable, and today the monuments of the Acropolis, which have survived wars, perestroika and human vandalism, are exposed to man-made dangers: for several decades, acid rain and toxic smog have been corroding the white marble of ancient temples. There are many plans to save the Acropolis, but so far none of them have been implemented, so restorers will probably not be out of work for a long time.
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In every policy Ancient Greece had its own Acropolis, but none of them can surpass the Athenian in scale, layout and concentration of so many monuments of past eras.
The capital of Greece is simply unthinkable without him; he is rightfully considered its business card, a real mecca for tourists from all over the world. Here time stands still, frozen in the impeccable elegance of architectural forms. Everything here looks majestic and amazes with its scope and monumentality, testifying to high level development of the culture of the ancient Greeks and for centuries remaining a model of world architecture.
Initially, there was an imperial palace on the Acropolis hill, and in the 7th century BC large-scale reconstruction began and the foundation of the first and most significant temple, the Parthenon, was laid. It amazes not only with its size, but also with its special layout - it can be seen in volume. If you look at the building from the central gate, three walls appear simultaneously. The secret is that the columns of the Parthenon are located at a certain angle to each other, this also determines a number of other interesting architectural features. And the main decoration of the temple was the statue of Athena, made of ivory and gold. Around the 5th century BC, it was taken to Constantinople, where it was burned in a fire.
Acropolis
No less grandiose is the Erechtheinon, built on the site where the legendary dispute between Poseidon and Athena took place. Here, in the sanctuary of Pandora, was kept olive branch, and the source flowed from sea water. In addition, the temple has famous sculptures Caryatids - six beauties that replace the columns of the temple, many friezes and mosaics that have been preserved in some places.
The temple of the goddess Nike also stands out among others, which, according to legend, the Athenians left without wings so that she would not fly away from them, and victory was always theirs. This is a truly legendary place - it was here that Aegeus waited for his son Theseus, and in a fit of uncontrollable despair he jumped into the sea. And very close by is the ancient Theater of Dionysus, where Aristophanes and Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides presented their dramas and comedies.
Previously, one could enter the Acropolis through a huge gate - the Propylaea, which is a masterpiece architectural art and called the “brilliant face of the Acropolis.”
One of the parts of these gates housed the world's first art gallery.
Of course, even the monumental structures of the Acropolis are subject to the influence of time, so everything that can now be seen there is quite badly destroyed. The appearance of the “upper city” was further changed by the numerous destructions and devastation that took place in different times. But, nevertheless, the Athenian Acropolis amazes us with its grace, luxury and perfection, even while in ruins.
Acropolis is the name of a hill and a prominent architectural ensemble, located on it. In Greek, the spelling of "Acropolis" is "Ακρόπολη". This word is usually translated as "upper city", "fortified city" or simply "fortress". At first the mountain was used as a refuge. Subsequently, there was a royal palace here and even, if you believe the myths, the residence of Theseus, the conqueror of the Cretan monster the Minotaur.
Since the first temple of Athena appeared on the mountain, it began to be considered sacred. Around this narrow rock with three sheer walls has grown the city of Athens, whose heart and soul are located on the Holy Acropolis. From the top of the mountain the capital of Greece is clearly visible. Just like from the city, the buildings of the Acropolis are clearly visible from everywhere, next to which tall buildings are prohibited.
In 1987, the Acropolis of Athens was included in the UNESCO list as a site world heritage. This organization uses the image of the Parthenon as its emblem.
Even those who have never seen it in person will recognize the image of the Athenian Acropolis. The greatest achievement of the ancient Greeks has deservedly become the hallmark of Greece. There were settlements on the high, rocky, flat-topped hill as early as 4000 BC. The architectural and historical ensemble of the Acropolis, the ruins of which we see now, was created mainly in the 5th century BC. under the commander and great Greek statesman Pericles. It included:
- Parthenon - main temple. Built in honor of the patroness of the polis, goddess Athena.
- Propylaea - main entrance to the Acropolis
- wide marble staircase
- Pinakothek - located to the left of the Propylaea
- 12-meter statue of Athena the Warrior, created by the sculptor Phidias from ivory and gold
- Nikou-Apteros is the temple of the wingless Athena the Victorious with an altar in front of it. The altar was dismantled by the Turks at the end of the 18th century, but in 1935 - 1936 it was recreated
- Erechtheion - temple, dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. On one of its porticos, instead of columns, the famous caryatids are installed.
- sanctuary of Zeus Polyeus and others.
Location of buildings on the Acropolis
The facade of the Propylaea, the wide marble staircase leading to it and the adjacent buildings
In the 2nd century AD e. Herodes Atticus built the grandiose Odion Theater at the foot of the Acropolis.
The main architects of the Acropolis are Ictinus and Callicrates, who built the Parthenon, and Mnesicles, the creator of the Propylaea. The sculptor Phidias was involved in finishing and supervising the construction together with Pericles.
L. Alma-Tadema (1836–1912). Phidias shows his friends, including Pericles and his lover Aspasia, the Parthenon Frieze, 1868.
The Parthenon is translated as “room for maidens.” According to one of the assumptions, in it selected girls wove light fabric for peplos - women's clothing sleeveless with many folds. A special peplos, embroidered with a pattern, was presented to the goddess Athena during the Panathenaia - solemn ceremonies in her honor.
Athena Parthenos
Destruction of the Acropolis
The centuries-old Acropolis has undergone repeated conquests by other peoples and the influence of other cultures. This was reflected in his appearance most often not in the most in the best possible way. The Parthenon had to visit a Catholic temple and a Muslim mosque. It was also a Turkish gunpowder warehouse, which played a tragic role in its fate.
During the Turkish-Venitian War, the Turks, hoping that a Christian would not shoot at the structure, which had been a Christian temple for several centuries, placed weapons reserves in the Parthenon and hid children and women. However, on September 26, 1687, the commander of the Venetian army ordered cannons to be fired at the Acropolis. The explosion thoroughly destroyed the central part of the monument.
Engraving depicting the explosion of the Parthenon
James Skene.The destroyed Parthenon with the remains of the cathedral-mosque, 1838
The Acropolis suffered seriously due to vandalism and unceremonious looting. So, during the years 1801-1811, the British ambassador to Ottoman Empire Lord Thomas Elgin removed a significant part of the ancients from the Parthenon greek statues and frieze to England, and then sold to the British Museum.
Restoration of the Acropolis
Since 1834, research and restoration work has been carried out on the territory of the Acropolis. They have been produced especially actively since the end of the 20th century. A new, modern, spacious museum has been built in Athens. Its halls display archaeological finds discovered in the Acropolis. Among them are fragments of the Parthenon frieze, sculptures, figures of caryatids, statues of kors, kouros and Moschophorus (Taurus Bearer).
New Acropolis Museum in Athens
Moschophorus (Taurus Bearer) and the “boy Critias”, discovered during excavations of the Athenian Acropolis. Around 1865
It is impossible to completely restore the monument, but with the help of modern digital technologies you can see its greatness using 3D reconstruction. During its heyday, the Acropolis' structures, from buildings to statues, were decorated with colorful decorations. The “Interactive Tour of the Athenian Acropolis”, which is open to the public from March 24, 2018 at “Θόλος”, allows you to immerse yourself in the new and at the same time old colorful reality of Ancient Greece.
Illustrations
Reconstruction options in color
In ancient times, the city of Cecropia was erected on the high hill of the Acropolis, which later received a new name - Athens. It is better to admire the Acropolis in Athens at sunrise or sunset; it is at this time that the ruins of the former great city come to life and seem to be rebuilt.
History of the Athenian Acropolis
Let's look a little at the history of the city. King Cecrops is considered the founder of Athens. This great man is credited with the founding of 12 Greek cities, the introduction of a ban on human sacrifice, and, most importantly, the introduction of the cult of Zeus the Thunderer. The advent of the greatness of the goddess Athena occurs during the reign of another king - Erechthonius; it was during his reign that the city was renamed Athens.
Around the 2nd millennium BC, the territory of the Acropolis completely contained Athens. It was surrounded by powerful walls. On the western, flat side, a particularly strong fortification, Enneapylon “Nine Gates,” was erected. Behind the walls was the palace of the Athenian kings. It was here that the sanctuary of Athena was later located, and as the city grew, the Acropolis became a religious center dedicated to the patroness of the city.
Architecture of the Athens Acropolis
The construction of the ensemble of the Athenian Acropolis began after the great victories of the Greeks over the Persians. In 449, Pericles' plan to decorate this territory was approved. The Acropolis of Athens was to become a great symbol great victory. No expense or materials were spared. Pericles could get whatever he wanted for this matter.
Tons of material were transported to the main hill of the Greek capital. It was considered pride for everyone to work at this facility. Several great architects were involved here, but the main role was assigned to Phidias.
Propylaea of the Athenian Acropolis
The architect Mnesicles created the buildings of the Propylaea, which are the entrance to the Acropolis, decorated with porticoes and a colonnade. A similar structure introduced the visitor sacred place absolutely new world, not similar to everyday reality. At the other end of the Propylaea, there was a statue of the patroness of the city, Athena Promachos, personally executed by Phidias. Speaking about Phidias, we can mention that it was from his hands that the famous statue of Zeus in Olympia came out, which became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Even sailors passing through Attica saw the helmet and spear of the warrior Athena.
Parthenon - the first temple
The main temple of the Athenian Acropolis is the Parthenon. Previously, it housed another statue of Athena Parthenos, also made by Phidias. The statue was made using the chrysoelephantine technique, just like Zeus Olympian. But this miracle has not reached us, so we can only believe rumors and images.
The columns of the Parthenon, made of marble, have lost their original whiteness over many centuries. Now its brownish columns stand out beautifully against the evening sky. The Parthenon was the temple of Athena Polias the City Guardian. Due to the position of the building, this name was usually shortened to the Great Temple or even simply the Temple.
The construction of the Parthenon was carried out in 447-428 BC under the leadership of the architects Ictinus and his assistant Callicrates, of course, not without the participation of Phidias. The temple was supposed to be the embodiment of democracy. For its construction, great calculations were made, which is why the building was completed in just 9 years. Other decoration continued until 432.
Erechtheion - the second temple
The second temple of the Acropolis is the old Erechtheion, also dedicated to Athena. There was a functional difference between the Erechtheion and the Pantheon. The Pantheon was intended for public needs; the Erechtheion, in fact, was a temple of priests.
According to legend, the temple was built at the site of the dispute between Poseidon and Athena for the right to power in Athens. The elders of the city had to resolve the dispute; at their request, power was given to whichever god whose gift would be most useful for the city. Poseidon made a stream of salt water from the Acropolis hill, and Athena grew an olive tree. The daughter of Zeus was recognized as the winner, and the olive tree was recognized as the symbol of the city.
In one of the premises of the temple there was a trace left from the impact of Poseidon’s trident on a rock. Near this place there is an entrance to a cave where, according to another legend, the snake of Athena, who is the personification of the glorious king-hero Erechthonius, lived.
In the same complex there is the grave of Erechthonius himself, and in the western part of the temple there is a well with salt water, as if appeared by the will of the same Poseidon.
Temple of Athena Nike
Athena on the Acropolis found its embodiment in yet another form - Athena Nike. The first temple, dedicated to the goddess of victory, was destroyed during the wars with the Persians, so after the truce it was decided to restore the sanctuary. The temple was built by Callicrates in 427-424 BC.
The Acropolis of Athens (Greece) is the most popular and interesting attraction that several million travelers come to see every year. It can be seen from various points of the city, because the government has banned the construction of high-rise buildings nearby that could block this landmark. People new to the map of Athens can use the Acropolis as a landmark to avoid getting lost in the narrow streets of the city.
History of the Acropolis
In Ancient Greece, the term "acropolis" meant a well-fortified place or settlement. Several thousand years ago, the main city was located here, protected by reliable fortifications from enemies. Even before the Mycenaean era, the Acropolis was a majestic city. There were many temples on the territory necessary items places of worship and other important government buildings. Due to the monumental nature of the structures, it is assumed that the mythical Cyclopes took part in the construction of the Acropolis. Only they were able to lift huge boulders.
In the period from the 15th to the 13th centuries BC, the royal residence was located in the Acropolis. If you believe in the reality of myths, this is where the residence of Theseus, who defeated the Minotaur, was located.
By the 7th century BC. Athena became the main patron of the Acropolis. Her cult became widespread, and a beautiful temple was erected in honor of the goddess. A century later, Peisistratus began to actively build up the Acropolis, and new buildings of the Propylaea and the Areopagus appeared.
Alas, during the war with the Persians, the Acropolis suffered greatly. Most of the buildings were completely destroyed. The Greeks did not accept the fall of their beloved city and vowed to restore its greatness. With the advent of peace in 447 BC. builders, under the leadership of the famous sculptor and architect Phidias, began to revive the Acropolis. They restored it completely; some Acropolis temples from that period have survived to this day. Among them are the Erechtheion, the temple of the goddess Nike, the statue of Athena, and the Parthenon.
Until the 3rd century. AD The Acropolis existed in relative peace, so the inhabitants were able to significantly increase the architectural richness of the city. Statues of kings and new temples appeared, but the danger of another invasion forced them to switch to strengthening the walls.
Over the next few centuries, power over the Acropolis changed. Other saints were worshiped in temples, and the main buildings changed their purpose. Having regained power, the Greeks began to actively restore the Acropolis. The main task The builders wanted to return the place to its original appearance.
Architecture of the Acropolis
Today the Acropolis is the largest temple complex. Thanks to the work of restorers, many buildings appear almost in their original form. They amaze with their snow-white columns, labyrinthine corridors and high walls. Entrance to the territory was through a gate. Some of them are called the Bühle Gate after the archaeologist who found them. The gate was built in a powerful fortress wall in 267 BC.
Immediately outside the gates began the Propylaea - buildings that immersed travelers in the world of the Acropolis. They consisted of a long colonnade with porticoes. After passing through the corridors, travelers appeared before the statue of Athena, the patroness of the city. The statue was so large that its helmet and spear were visible from ships passing nearby.
Beyond the Propylaea, tourists see the Temple of Nike Apteros (Wingless Nike). This is a small building with four columns and sculptures that are placed on a frieze. The Goddess of Victory was made wingless on purpose so that she could not fly away from the Greeks.
The most important temple of the Acropolis - the Parthenon - is located almost in the heart ancient city. This greatest building was built in honor of Athena. The length of the temple exceeds 70 m, and its width is 30 m. The perimeter is decorated with huge ten-meter columns.
Many of the buildings of the Acropolis belong to the architect Phidias. He also created a beautiful statue of Athena, which reached a height of 12 m. The statue was decorated with many decorative elements symbolizing invincibility. Some of the clothing and jewelry were made of gold.
Not far from the Parthenon there is another beautiful temple - the Erechtheion. It is dedicated to King Erechtheus, Athena and Poseidon. The building also served as a repository, treasury and place of worship. Due to unevenness earth's surface, the western part has a lower height than the other sides.
The structures of the Athenian Acropolis are very diverse; in addition to those listed, the following buildings can be distinguished:
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite. The ruins of a temple with a beautiful architrave covered with figures of doves with garlands have survived to this day.
- Sanctuary of Artemis. The structure from the time of Pisistratus is decorated with a large colonnade and statues of Artemis.
- The Temple of Augustus, built in honor of the Roman emperor, is compact in size and round in shape. Its diameter is 8.5 m, and the perimeter is decorated with nine columns.
- Sanctuary of Zeus. A small temple, which was divided by a low side into the hall of the temple itself, where rituals were carried out, and a place for gifts.
- Chalkoteca. A special room where all the necessary attributes for performing rituals in honor of Athena were stored. It is located near the Temple of Artemis.
- Theater of Dionysus. A beautiful structure in the south of the Acropolis. According to legend, the city's residents killed Dionysus, deciding that he wanted to poison them. To atone for their guilt, they began to organize noisy celebrations on the day of his death in the Theater of Dionysus.
The restoration process of the Acropolis is not yet completed. There are several reconstruction programs that are funded by both the state and independent charities. Scientists are sure that the Acropolis has not yet revealed all its secrets, so research papers And archaeological excavations continue.
Acropolis Museum
In addition to the ruins of ancient buildings, it is worth visiting the Acropolis Museum. At first it was located in a small room near the Parthenon. The first exhibitions were exhibited there back in 1878. Gradually the number of exhibits increased and it was decided to build modern building. Today the museum is located 300 meters from the city walls.
The galleries display archaeological finds discovered at the Acropolis. Among them are the Friezes of the Parthenon and sculptures by masters of the 5th century. BC. There are many sculptures from temples that depict scenes of battles of gods, giants, Hercules, figures of the Caryatids and Moschophoros. Some statues require strict temperature conditions, which are closely monitored by museum staff.
Tours of the Acropolis
The complex is open daily from 8:00 to 18:30, excluding public holidays. Entrance to the territory is paid, it is 12 euros. Citizens of the European Union are offered discounts: the entrance fee for pensioners and students is 6 euros, and schoolchildren visit the attractions for free. With one ticket, a tourist has the right to see the sights for four days. To enter the Acropolis Museum, you need to pay an additional 1 euro.
A detailed exploration of the numerous temples will take from 4 to 6 hours, so you should stock up on water and sun protection. Comfortable clothing and shoes are encouraged. Although it rarely rains here, the marble steps can be slippery even in dry weather.