|
 Acropolis is probably the most famous and most visited monument in the world
from the Antiquity times. It is the symbol of Athens and its most famous
landmark. Every year thousands of visitors from all over the world coming
to admire this symbol of the Ancient Greek civilisation. On the rock of
Acropolis there are several monuments from the Greek Antiquity , most of the
monuments was build on the Prehistoric temples of the Sacred rock during the
golden age of Pericles of Athens during the 5th century BC.
Among those monuments of the
Acropolis, Parthenon is the most magnificent, the temple of
Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena, protector of the Ancient city of
Athens.
Parthenon is one of the most most famous buildings of the world and if
it was build some centuries before, then probably we would be
talking about the 8 wonders of the world instead of 7. Its unique architecture
inspired the architectural style of the western world. Universities, Public
buildings, Palaces, Parliaments, libraries have been build inspired from the
Dorian style and the Architecture of Parthenon. Parthenon was build during the
Golden Era of Athens under
Pericles administration. by the architects Iktinos
and Kalikrates. For its construction they used marble from the mount of Penteli.
 The Magnificent statue of Athens was made by Phidias one of the most famous
sculptors of this time. Phidias used for the creation of the statue wood, ivory
and gold. Unfortunately the statue was disappear during the middle ages.
The most amazing architectural achievement of Parthenon is the harmony of this
massive building with the Attica landscape. The external pillars of Parthenon
are not exactly straight , they are slightly curved so they give an optical
illusion as they where straight from every angle you will look.
Parthenon was kept as it was in the Antiquity until 1687 when it was almost destroyed during a siege of
Athens by the Venetians from a bomb that came from the fleet of admiral
Morozini. The bomb had strike inside the temple where the Turks had used it as a
gun powder store.
The most important remains of the Partenon freeze are today in
display at the British museum.
 Another monument on the sacred rock of Acropolis is the Propylea build by
Mnesicles during Pericles administration. Near by is the Temple of Athens Nike
that was build on the same period by Kalikrates. The temple was dedicated to the
victory of the Athenians during the Persian wars and especially during the
battle of Marathon and the sea battle of Salamis.
The Erechtheion temple was build also during the golden Age in the area where
use to be the olive tree that Athena offered to the Athenians. The most
famous statues of Erechtheion are the Caryatides, the statues are today in
display at the new Museum of the Acropolis.
|
