Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
For lovers of Greek History and Culture, a visit to Athens, Greece is the perfect vacation getaway. While in Athens, tourists can visit a wide range of attractions that are rich in historical and mythological relevance.
Acropolis:
No trip to Greece is complete without a visit to the Acropolis. From its location on a rocky hill, tourists at the Acropolis can enjoy visits to such sites as the Delphi ruins, the Olympic Stadium, and the Theater of Dionysus. With a regular admission price of only 12 Euro, the Acropolis is a great place for sightseeing. Known as the most important historical site in Athens, the Acropolis is composed of three temples: the Parthenon, the Erectheion, and the Temple of Nike.
- Parthenon
The most famous of the three temples, the Parthenon is known for its majestic architecture. The grand temple was built in 432 BC by the Greek sculptor, Pheidas. Dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, the Parthenon is composed of grand architecture that includes beautiful marble and numerous columns. The Parthenon is decorated with scenes that represent Ancient Greece, including depictions of mythology and the Trojan War. Known for its unique artistic beauty, the Parthenon frieze is one of the most famous aspects of the temple. Running continuously along the exterior of the temples cella, the Parthenon frieze consists of marble sculptures that depict the Panathenaic Procession; an important religious event that took place in ancient Athens.
- Erechtheion
Completed in 406 BC, the Erechtheion is an Ionic temple that is known for its unique and complex construction. Unlike the grand and majestic architecture of the Parthenon, the Erechtheions architecture is delicate and elegant. The signature architectural feature of the Erechtheion is the Porch of the Caryatids, which contains female statues that are used instead of columns for support. The temple is also a wonderful place for mythology lovers to visit since a famous scene out of mythology is said to have taken place here. In Greek mythology, Poseidon struck the rock of the Erechtheion with his trident in a battle with Athena over control of Athens. The Erechtheion supposedly still contains Poseidons marks, which are located on the floor of the portico.
- The Temple of Nike
Smaller than the other temples on the Acropolis and built in Ionic style, the Temple of Nike was built around 420 BC by Kallikrates. The building was originally used for the worshiping of Nike (Athena), the goddess of victory. The temple once contained a wingless statue of the goddess, which is said to have been depicted without wings to keep the goddess from leaving the city of Athens. Ruined in 1686 by the Turks, the temple was restored in 1836. With its graceful columns and delicate structure, the Temple of Nike is one of the earliest examples of Ionic architecture.
Agora:
Located in the heart of Ancient Athens, the Agora was once used as a center of political, commercial, and social activity. Even though the open area known as the Agora is now in ruins, it still serves as a historical attraction that is great for sightseeing. The Agora contains temples that are dedicated to the gods Hephaestus and Apollo, along with its own museum. The Stoa of Attalos Museum was originally built in 150 BC and reconstructed in the 1950's. The Museum now contains several exhibits that are directly related to Athenian Democracy, including coins, status, and pottery that are thousands of years old. Admission to the Agora is between 6 and 12 Euro and includes admission to the Stoa of Attalos Museum and six other archeological areas.
Known for its history and culture, Athens, Greece is a vacation destination that consists of numerous tourist attractions. By visiting the Acropolis and the Agora, visitors can experience the beauty of Greece firsthand.
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