The Acropolis of Athens
Although the Acropolis of Athens failed to make the cut for the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is no less astonishing to see it in the flesh. The temples of the Acropolis are amongst the world’s most famous architectural landmarks, so visiting the Citadel of Athens leaves you in awe of both the building process of these monuments, and the vast history they have been witness to.
Much of the original Acropolis was destroyed in 480 BC, so the major temples here were rebuilt during the so-called Golden Age of Athens, between the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. Built on what is known as the Sacred Rock, this ancient fortress has been many things in her life - home to kings, gods and riches, it has withstood bombardments, vandalism and earthquakes.
The fortress on the hill is now home to many important archaeological sites. The most famous building of course, and the symbol of Ancient Greece itself, is the Parthenon. Built almost 2,500 years ago it was once the city’s treasury, and is now considered one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. Largely destroyed during a bombardment in 1687, its restoration has been underway since 1975.
Winding our way up the steep hillside of the southern slope, we passed the ancient Theatre of Dionysus. Built in approximately 500BC in the shadow of the Acropolis, it is regarded as the first theatre in the world and the birthplace of the Greek drama.
But before we approached the citadel, we first passed through the Propylaea. It was here that entrance would have been controlled to ensure people were ritually cleaned before being permitted into the sanctuary, and that no miscreants or runaway slaves could claim the protection of the gods. This original monumental gateway still serves as the entranceway for the thousands of tourists who visit the area every year.
Atop a high cliff in beautiful white Pentelic marble, the smallest temple of the high city is that of Athena Nike. It is considered to be the pearl of the Acropolis, and stands proudly overlooking the city of Athens, dedicated to the goddesses of war and victory.
Nearby, the unique and elegant temple Erechtheion is on the site of some of the most ancient and holy relics of the Athenians. Its famous Porch of the Maidens, where six female statues are used in place of columns to effortlessly support the roof, is a work of beauty. One of the figures was removed by Lord Elgin in the 1800s in order to decorate his Scottish mansion. It was later sold to the British Museum with other marble sculptures plundered from the Parthenon, known as the Elgin Marbles. Athenian legend had it that at night the five remaining maidens could be heard wailing for their lost sister.
Visiting the Acropolis was a MAJOR bucket list item for our 6 year old, Sullivan. He is right into Greek mythology at the moment. Although it still didn’t stop him and his sister, Frankie, from just sitting down and playing in the dirt in front of the Parthenon!
It was so worth waiting a few days for the weather to clear up before we visited the Acropolis of Athens. Greece put on her best sunny day for us to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime visit to such an iconic landmark. What an honour it was to step foot in this World Heritage site. To think that the rulers of the ancient world also passed over this land truly boggles the mind.
