Acropolis athens panorama

The Parthenon and Erechtheion atop the Acropolis of Athens, the ultimate symbol of Ancient Greece and a benchmark of classical architecture.

About this subject

The Acropolis of Athens is a complex of temples and structures built on a rocky hill that dominates the city. The most famous monument is the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, constructed between 447 and 438 BC under the leadership of Pericles. Architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with sculptor Phidias as supervisor, designed the temple in the Doric order, with eight columns on the facade and seventeen on the sides. The inner frieze, depicting the Panathenaic procession, is a masterpiece of classical sculpture, although much of it was taken to the British Museum.

Besides the Parthenon, the Acropolis houses the Erechtheion, famous for the Porch of the Caryatids, six female statues serving as columns. The temple was built on multiple levels to accommodate the uneven ground and was dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. Another important structure is the Propylaea, the monumental entrance gate designed by architect Mnesicles. The Theater of Dionysus, carved into the southern slope, is considered the birthplace of Western theater, where plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were performed.

The Acropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, attracting millions of tourists annually. Despite damage from wars, earthquakes, and modern pollution, the Greek government, with support from international organizations, carries out constant restorations. The New Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, displays artifacts found on the site and advocates for the repatriation of the Elgin Marbles, currently in the United Kingdom.

The panoramic view of the city of Athens from the top of the Acropolis is stunning, with the Aegean Sea in the distance and Mount Lycabettus visible in the background. The site is a testament to the engineering and art of Classical Greece, influencing Western architecture for centuries, from the Renaissance to Neoclassicism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Parthenon's construction?

The Parthenon was built between 447 and 438 BC under Pericles, designed by architects Ictinus and Callicrates with sculptor Phidias supervising. It was erected in honor of the goddess Athena Parthenos.

What are the Elgin Marbles and why is their repatriation controversial?

The Elgin Marbles are sculptures and fragments from the Parthenon removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and taken to the British Museum. Greece demands their return, while the UK argues they were legally acquired.

What other important monuments are on the Acropolis besides the Parthenon?

Besides the Parthenon, notable structures include the Erechtheion (with the Porch of the Caryatids), the Propylaea (monumental entrance), and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Theater of Dionysus on the southern slope is also significant.