Some Things Must Be Seen in Person
There is nothing quite like seeing the Acropolis for the first time. Even before climbing the impressive hill to see it up close, simply catching glimpses of 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 undoubtedly stands supreme.
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, and rightly so. The good news is, they excel at showcasing it. Touring the Acropolis, I encountered detailed information and knowledgeable guides at every turn. Equally important, the Acropolis Museum, located in the shadow of the Acropolis itself, is incredibly well-done and an absolute must-see when in Athens.
A Brief History of the Acropolis:
The history of the Acropolis stretches back millennia. The site has been inhabited since Neolithic times (around 4,000 BCE) but 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 underwent its most significant transformation.
Under the leadership of the statesman Pericles, extensive construction projects transformed the Acropolis into a center of religious, cultural, and artistic achievement. The most famous structures were erected 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 serving as the crowning glory and a symbol of the city’s wealth and power.
The Acropolis has endured significant turmoil and destruction throughout its history. It suffered damage during the Greco-Persian Wars, was later repurposed as a Christian church, and then as an Ottoman mosque. In the 19th and 20th centuries, extensive restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve and showcase the site as we see it today.
So Much to See
When you navigate through the colossal Propylaea, the monumental gateway leading to the sacred plateau, and then pass the Temple of Athena Nike, you have to pinch yourself to believe you’re there. This is before you even reach the top of the staircase and behold the awe-inspiring Parthenon and the Erechtheion.
The Parthenon:
Undoubtedly the most iconic monument on the Acropolis, the Parthenon is an extraordinary Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron deity of Athens. The temple’s meticulous construction and intricate friezes make it an enduring symbol of classical Greek architecture.
It is currently undergoing a multi-decade restoration, which means some portions of the structure are difficult to see. Regardless, anyone who ascends to the top of the Acropolis will be utterly awestruck by this magnificent 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) that 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, on 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, the Theater of Dionysus 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, on May 31, 1941, two Greeks climbed the Acropolis. They removed the swastika flag that the Nazi Party had raised after entering Athens and replaced it with the Greek flag. News of this act spread quickly throughout Athens. Furious, the Nazi Party tried the two men in absentia and sentenced them to death. Instead of quashing resistance, the Nazis’ 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.
