Davenport Coral - Top 10 Athens

The temples on the Sacred Rock of Athens are considered the most important monuments in the Western world, for they have exerted more influence on our architecture than anything since. The great marble masterpieces were constructed during the late 5th-century BC reign of Perikles, the Golden Age of Athens. Most were temples built to honour Athena, the citys patron goddess. Still breathtaking for their proportion and scale, both human and majestic, the temples were adorned with magnificent, dramatic sculptures of the gods. 210 321 4172 www.culture.gr Metro: Acropoli AprSep: 8am7pm daily (to 3pm Sat & Sun); OctMar: 8am3pm daily. Times are subject to change, call ahead to confirm Adm 12; students half price Includes entry to Kerameikos, Theatre of Dionysus, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrians Library (valid for 4 days)

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As the highest part of the city, the rock is an ideal place for refuge, religion and royalty. The Acropolis Rock has been used continuously for these purposes since Neolithic times.

Propylaia

At the top of the rock, you are greeted by the Propylaia, the grand entrance through which all visitors passed to reach the summit temples.

Temple of Athena Nike (Victory)

There has been a temple to a goddess of victory at this location since prehistoric times, as it protects and stands over the part of the rock most vulnerable to enemy attack.

Panathenaic Way

The route used in an ancient procession when a new tunic, or peplos, would have been offered to Athena, along with sacrifices.

Parthenon

This was the epitome of ancient Greek Classical art, a magnificent Temple to the Virgin, goddess Athena, who was represented inside by a giant gold and ivory sculpture.

Erechtheion

According to myth, Athena and Poseidon battled for patronage of Athens on this spot. The Erechtheions design unites separate temples to each of the two gods.

New Acropolis Museum

The stunning Open 8am8pm TueSun (to 10pm Fri) Adm 5

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Panagia Chrysospiliotissa

Originally dedicated to the god of wine and revelry, the cave was later turned into the church of the Virgin of the Golden Cave.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

A much later addition, built in 161 by its namesake. In summer it hosts the Athens Festival (for further details see ).

Dionysus Theatre

This mosaic-tiled theatre was the site of Classical Greeces drama competitions, where the tragedies and comedies by the great playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides) were first performed. The theatre seated 15,000, and you can still see engraved front-row marble seats, reserved for priests of Dionysus.

The Acropolis in Later Times

In the 5th century AD, the Parthenon was used as a church. During the Ottoman occupation, it was used as a mosque, and the Erechtheion as a harem. The Ottomans also kept gunpowder in the Parthenon, which led to its near destruction when the Venetians shelled it during . The Parthenon suffered further damage in 1799 when Lord Elgin removed sculptures, architectural features and inscriptions, taking them back to England.

Tip: Visit first thing in the morning or at sunset to avoid the midday heat and multitudinous tour groups.

Tip: The cantinas at the Acropolis are outrageously overpriced. Bring a large bottle of water and a snack.

New Acropolis Museum

The Glass Floor

The museum has been built directly over an early Christian settlement. Glass floors allow visitors to look directly down into the site while surrounded by Classical and Archaic sculptures.

The Parthenon Marbles

The marbles are displayed in the order in which they would have graced the Parthenon, with blank spaces significantly left for sculptures that remain in London.

The Calf-Bearer

This joyous Archaic sculpture shows a bearded man carrying a calf, to be offered as a sacrifice to Athena. The statue itself was a votive offering and dates to 570 BC.

The Peplos Kore

One of the most exquisite of the Archaic votive statues. Her gown, called a peplos, was painted with decorative colours. Traces of paint are still visible on her eyes, lips and curly hair.

Kore with Almond-Shaped Eyes

The most sumptuous of the votive koroi her detailed drapery and fully formed body show real development in sculpture. Her dress was painted with detailed patterns, including a border with the distinctive Greek key pattern.

Pediment of the Ancient Temple

Part of the pediment of an ancient temple to Athena, built before the Parthenon and later destroyed, shows Athena fighting against a Giant. It dates to 520 BC.

The Kritios Boy

This sculpture of a young male athlete marks the transition from Archaic to early Classical sculpture, with the introduction of a naturalistic pose. The Kritos Boy sculpture dates to 480 BC.

Relief of the Mourning Athena

This tiny relief shows the goddess Athena as a girl, without sword or shield and clad in an Attic peplos.

The Caryatids

The original statued pillars that supported the Erechtheions porch have been brought inside. Their arms are broken now, but initially they held libation bowls.

Frieze on the Temple of Athena Nike

The small but dynamically sculpted frieze shows scenes of battle, with gods, Persians and Greeks all stepping into the fray.