Some Things Must Be Seen in Person
There is nothing like seeing the Acropolis for the first time. Even before climbing the impressive hill to see it up close, just seeing it from various parts of Athens, immediately transports you back in time, to an era of incredible innovation and grandeur from a remarkable ancient civilization. Among the many breathtaking wonders you will witness in Athens, the Acropolis stands above them all.
Perched perfectly atop a fortress of solid rock overlooking the city, this iconic site is a testament to the artistic brilliance, and architectural mastery of the ancient Greeks. As I stood in its shadow for the first time, I was overcome with a profound sense of wonder and reverence for the amazing structures that embody the Acropolis, and the history that accompanies them.
Where the West Was Born: A Brief History
Greeks are very proud of their history, as they should be, and the good news is, they do a great job of showing it off. Touring the Acropolis, there was detailed information and guides at every turn. But as important, in the shadow of the Acropolis, is the Acropolis museum, which is incredibly well done, and also a must see when in Athens.
A Brief History of the Acropolis: The history of the Acropolis dates back thousands of years. The site has been inhabited since Neolithic times (around 4,000 BCE), but it gained prominence during the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BCE) when it became a fortified citadel. However, it was during the Golden Age of Athens in the 5th century BCE that the Acropolis witnessed its most significant development.
Under the leadership of the great statesman Pericles, extensive construction took place, transforming the Acropolis into a center of religious, cultural, and artistic achievements. The most famous structures were built during this era, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. These temples and monuments were dedicated to various deities, with the Parthenon being the crowning glory, and a symbol of the city’s wealth and power.
The Acropolis has experienced a lot of turmoil and destruction throughout its history, including being damaged during the Greco-Persian Wars, later being repurposed as a Christian church, and then an Ottoman mosque. In the 19th and 20th centuries, significant restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve and showcase the site as we see it today.
So Much to See
When you make your way through the colossal Propylaea, the monumental gateway leading to the sacred plateau, and then past the Temple of Athena Nike, you really have to pinch yourself. That’s before you make it all the way up to the top of the staircase and lay your eyes on the Parthenon and the Erechteion.
The Parthenon: Undoubtedly the most iconic monument on the Acropolis, the Parthenon is an extraordinary Doric temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron deity of Athens. The temple’s meticulous construction and intricate friezes make it a timeless symbol of classical Greek architecture.
It is currently in the middle of a several decade restoration, which means portions of the structure are hard to see. Regardless, anyone who makes it to the top of the Acropolis will be completely in awe of this amazing structure.
The Erechtheion: Designed by the architect Mnesicles, the Erechtheion is a masterpiece of Ionic architecture. It is a complex and innovative building with several distinctive features, including its asymmetrical layout, and the use of Caryatids (female sculpted figures serving as columns) on the southern porch. The temple has a rectangular plan with a central cella (inner chamber), which houses the sacred objects and statues of the deities.
The Propylaea: The monumental gateway to the Acropolis, the Propylaea, is an impressive structure that greets visitors as they ascend the hill. The grandiose design of the Propylaea showcases the splendor and sophistication of ancient Athenian architecture.
The Temple of Athena Nike: Positioned to the right of the Propylaea, this small but elegant Ionic temple is dedicated to Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. The intricate frieze of the temple depicts various mythical scenes and battles, immortalized by the ancient Greeks.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Outside the Acropolis walls, at the southern slope, lies this well-preserved Roman-era amphitheater. Still in use today, it hosts various performances during the Athens Festival, and other high profile concerts from A-listers such as Andrea Bocelli, and Elton John.
Theater of Dionysus: Dating back to the 6th century BC, Dionysus’ theater is believed to be the oldest existing amphitheater in the world. Known as the birthplace of ancient Greek theater, it was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, and showcased the works of legendary playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides.
The Flag: During the Nazi occupation of Greece, two Greeks climbed the Acropolis on the 31st of May, 1941. They took down the swastika flag that the Nazi Party had raised after entering Athens, and put the Greek flag back in place. The word spread quickly throughout Athens that the swastika flag had been removed. Furious, the Nazi Party tried the two men in absentia, and placed a death sentence on them. Instead of quashing resistance, the Nazis Party’s actions sparked public outrage and defiance, and further spread the news of the two men’s valiant act throughout Greece, inspiring others to rise up against the Occupation.
The Acropolis Museum
While not a part of the Acropolis itself, the nearby Acropolis Museum is a must visit for any history enthusiast. It houses a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures excavated from the site, providing invaluable insights into ancient Greek life and culture. The museum also offers visitors an immersive experience that transcends time and connects them to the roots of Western civilization.
Comprising three levels, the top floor is a glass-encased gallery that replicates the exact dimensions of the Parthenon frieze, offering a glimpse of how the marbles would have appeared in their original context. The middle floor showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, while the ground floor features archaeological remains discovered during the museum’s construction.
