Acropolis athens panorama

The Parthenon and Erechtheion dominate the Athens skyline, symbols of democracy and classical Greek culture that shaped the Western world.

About this subject

The Acropolis of Athens, a rocky hill rising 156 meters above sea level, houses some of the most important monuments of classical antiquity. Built mainly in the 5th century BC under the leadership of Pericles, the Acropolis served as the religious, political, and cultural center of the city-state. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous building, a Doric temple that once housed a giant chryselephantine statue of the goddess. Other notable structures include the Erechtheion with its Porch of the Caryatids and the Propylaea, the monumental gateway.

The Acropolis was constructed with Pentelic marble from the Attica region, quarried from Mount Pentelicus about 16 km away. Transporting the massive blocks, some weighing several tons, was an engineering feat using ramps, pulleys, and wooden sledges. The Parthenon, designed by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, incorporates optical refinements such as column curvature to counteract visual sinking. Over 2,500 years, it underwent many transformations: a Christian church, an Ottoman mosque, and a gunpowder magazine, which caused its partial explosion in 1687 during a Venetian siege.

Culturally, the Acropolis is the most enduring symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian democracy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it attracts millions of tourists annually. In 2009, the new Acropolis Museum, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi, opened at the foot of the hill, displaying over 4,000 artifacts discovered on the site. The Acropolis is not just an archaeological site but an icon that influenced neoclassical architecture worldwide, from the U.S. Capitol to the National Congress in Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the height of the Acropolis of Athens?

The Acropolis of Athens sits on a rocky hill 156 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Who built the Parthenon and when?

The Parthenon was built between 447 and 438 BC under Pericles, designed by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Has the Acropolis been used for other purposes besides a temple?

Yes, over the centuries, the Acropolis has been converted into a Christian church, an Ottoman mosque, and a gunpowder magazine, leading to significant damage such as the 1687 explosion of the Parthenon.