Greece is a country of legends with a great past. The legacy of the past millennia and today impresses even the most experienced travelers. What is worth only the majestic Acropolis in Athens , attracting millions of tourists annually to the capital. It is impossible to describe in detail how the Athenian Acropolis looks, even on thousands of pages, it is a miracle that one simply needs to see once.
World Heritage - Acropolis in Athens
"Acropolis" - this word in the language of the ancient Greeks meant "upper city", the concept was used in relation to fortified structures located on a hill. The very place where the Acropolis in Athens is located is a limestone rock with a shallow peak, rising to 156 meters. Studies have shown that the first settlements in this territory were formed over 3000 BC. Approximately 1000 years BC. The Acropolis was fortified with walls about 5 meters in thickness, their construction is attributed to mythical creatures.
The Acropolis, known today, began to acquire in the 7th-6th centuries BC. But all the buildings erected by the end of this period were destroyed by the Persians who seized the city. Soon the Greeks again became masters in Athens, and the construction of the Acropolis began anew. The work was led by the great Athenian sculptor Phidias, thanks to which the Acropolis acquired its architectural appearance and became a single artistic composition. If you look at the plan of the Athenian Acropolis, you can see more than 20 unique architectural objects, each with its own purpose and history.
Parthenon on the Acropolis
The main temple that crowns the Athenian Acropolis is the Parthenon. Dedication to the patroness of the city Greek goddess Athena was the construction with the parties 69.5 meters and 30.9 meters. The construction of this monument of ancient architecture began in 447 BC. and lasted 9 years, and then another 8 years were conducted decorative works. Like all the ancient temples of that historical period, the temple of Athena on the Acropolis is interesting from the outside, and not inside, as all the rituals were held around the building. The temple is surrounded by 46 columns, towering 10 meters. The basis of the temple is a three-stage stereoobat, 1.5 meters high. However, it used to be that there was something to look inside - a sacred center for a long time remained the 11-meter statue of Athena in the Acropolis, created by the Fidium of ivory at the base and the plates of gold as a cover. Having existed for about 900 years, the statue has disappeared.
Propylaea Acropolis in Athens
In literal translation, the word "propylea" means "vestibule". The propylaea of the Athenian Acropolis represent a majestic entrance to the protected territory, made entirely of marble. Upstairs leads a staircase, surrounded on both sides by porticos. The central part shows the visitor six Doric columns, echoing the style with the Parthenon. Passing through the corridor, you can see the door of incredible size and another four smaller doors. In ancient times the Propylaeans were protected by a roof, which was painted blue inside and decorated with stars.
The Erechtheion in the Acropolis
Erechtheion - this is another extremely important temple for the Athenians, dedicated simultaneously to Athena and Poseidon, who according to legend were rivals in the struggle for the title of patron of the city. The eastern part of the building is the temple of Athena, on the other hand the temple of Poseidon, located 12 steps below. Never tourists do not ignore the addition to the temple, the so-called Portico Daughters. Its feature is in six sculptures of girls, who with their heads support the roof. Five of the statues are originals, and one is replaced by a copy, since the original in the 19th century was taken to England, where it is kept today.
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Another attraction of Athens is the preserved Theater of Dionysus .