Interesting Facts About Acropolis & Parthenon of Athens - Greece

In classical times this religious way was extended along a steep ramp to this massive monumental double gatehouse. But in the modern era, this path makes a more gradual, zigzag rise going first through an arched Roman entrance, the Beule Gate which was erected in the third century AD.

The Parthenon

Being the finest monuments on the Acropolis- The Parthenon is constructed between 447 and 438 BC. It is a temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron of the city. While the Doric temple remained unchanged until the 5th century AD, Battles have been fought for this temple from different centuries.

Then later it was taken over by Christians and they converted it into a church. In the late 1600s, the Venetians and Turks were fighting over Athens. Acropolis was used as a military point because of its high position. There were explosives put inside the Parthenon that went off and blew up the interior of the Parthenon. Then it was attained by the Turks and they transformed Parthenon into a mosque with a minaret established over it. So it is served as both- Christian church and as an Islamic mosque.

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The Erechtheion, Acropolis & Parthenon of Athens

Located on the north side of the Acropolis, the Erechtheion was built in 421-406 BC to replace an earlier temple that was dedicated to Athena Polias. The Erechtheion was dedicated to the Sotira or the Panagia and named after the mythical king of Athens, Erechtheus who was worshipped there.

It was believed that Athena and Poseidon held a competition in which Athena won and became Patron of the city. Today, the sacred objects vanished with time, but the elegant and ionic Porch survived. Now, the Porch of the Caryatids is the most striking attraction whose columns form the tunics of six tall girls.

The Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis & Parthenon of Athens

The Temple of Athena Nike is standing near the Propylaea. It is a small temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike who was the preserver of the city of Athens.

It was taken apart for the complete renovation and later arranged back together. This pious temple was constructed by Kallikrates in 426-421 BC.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the most modern buildings on the Acropolis which was constructed in 161 AD in the memory of his loving wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It is located on the southern slopes near the Propylaea.

This theatre can accommodate almost 5,000 people and it is still used for organising various function of Greece and performances during the summer months. This ancient stone theatre was established at the foot of the Acropolis of Athens.

Theatre of Dionysus, Acropolis & Parthenon of Athens

Another prominent attraction in the City o Athens is the Theatre of Dionysos. It is that place where Dionysius the first stone theatre and home to Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides and Aristophanes and here they performed too. Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis and near the Acropolis Museum is this ancient theatre. It was reconstructed in the fourth century BC and this theatre had a capacity of holding 17,000 audiences which are significantly more than Herodes Atticus.

Most notable are the great marble thrones in the front row, each inscribed with the name of an official of the festival or an important priest; in the middle sat the priest of Dionysos and on his right the representative of the Delphic Oracle.

I hope you have fully enjoyed this virtual travel of Acropolis in the city of Athens and have known about the ancient Athenian history. Share your valuable comments with us.

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