Parthenon athens columns

The Parthenon in Athens is the ultimate symbol of Classical Greece and Athenian democracy, with its Doric columns enduring for millennia.

About this subject

The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis of Athens, was built between 447 and 432 BCE under Pericles' leadership as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos (the Virgin). It is considered the pinnacle of Doric architecture, with its peripteral colonnade of 46 massive Pentelic marble columns. Each column is about 10.4 meters high and features a slight curvature (entasis) to correct optical illusions, showcasing the technical refinement of architects Ictinus and Callicrates, alongside sculptor Phidias.

The temple was not only a place of worship but also a treasury that housed the colossal chryselephantine statue of Athena, 12 meters tall, crafted by Phidias. Over centuries, the Parthenon served as a Byzantine church, a Latin cathedral, and an Ottoman mosque, which contributed to its partial preservation until 1687, when an explosion during the Venetian siege destroyed much of the roof and inner core. Today, the columns still support the structure, bearing marks of time and history.

Culturally, the Parthenon embodies the ideal of rational beauty and proportion that influenced the Renaissance and Neoclassicism. Its frieze and metopes, many of which are in the British Museum (Elgin Marbles), narrate myths such as the Gigantomachy and the Panathenaic procession. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors annually, standing as an enduring icon of Western civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many columns does the Parthenon have and what is its architectural style?

The Parthenon has 46 external columns in the Doric style, arranged in a peripteral of 8 at the front and 17 on the sides. Internally, it also had Ionic columns.

Why is the Parthenon partially ruined?

In 1687, during the Venetian siege of Athens, an Ottoman gunpowder magazine inside the temple exploded, destroying the roof and center. Earlier, it had been altered as a church and mosque.

What are the Elgin Marbles and where are they now?

The Elgin Marbles are sculptures from the Parthenon taken by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. They are currently in the British Museum in London, and Greece demands their return.