The capital of Greece is named after the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena. The symbol of Athens is the magnificent architectural ensemble - the Acropolis, known throughout the world.
Acropolis
The Acropolis is one of the most valuable architectural monuments. The construction of the Acropolis Hill began before our era. Even then, ancient temples and buildings were located here. In the 3rd century BC, the main purpose of the Acropolis was to protect local residents from raids.
Once the territory of the Acropolis was filled with beautiful sculptures, but little has remained of its former grandeur. Significant damage to the complex was inflicted by a person, in particular by Turkish shells of 1827. The destruction was exacerbated by the 1894 earthquake.
The Acropolis has been restored several times and now many buildings look simply magnificent, transferring guests for many millennia into the past. The originals of the statues have been added to the expositions of the greatest museums in the world, and you can admire the perfect copies.
Parthenon temple
The temple dates back to 432 BC and is a famous monument of ancient Greek civilization. It is located on the territory of the Acropolis.
The temple was built in the Doric style. The architects were Kallikrates and Iktina, who dedicated it to the patroness of the city, Athena Parthenos. Her statue adorns the center of the building. The statue itself is made of gold and ivory by Phidias himself.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Once the center of the temple was decorated with a huge statue of Zeus, an exact copy of Olympian Zeus, which belonged to the great sculptor Phidias. Next to Zeus was a statue of Hadrian, the emperor who consecrated the temple. Not far from the temple, the Greeks erected the Hadrian Arch, which served as a gateway to the new city quarters.
Theater of Dionysus
It belongs to him the right to be called the birthplace of the Greek tragedy. The theater has survived to this day in the form of stone ruins, although wood was originally used as a building material. For a long time, for the holidays dedicated to Dionysius, temporary seats and a stage were erected here. They became stone only in 330 BC. and the theater could hold up to 17 thousand spectators.
During the period of Roman rule, the theater became a venue for gladiatorial fights and circus performances.
Arch of Hadrian
The symbolic gate, erected next to the temple of Olympian Zeus, somewhat resembles the triumphal arch of Rome.
Temple of Niki Apteros
The very first building of the Acropolis, dedicated to Niki Apteros (Wingless Victory). The construction of the temple took place during the years of the Peloponnesian War.
The walls of the temple are made of marble blocks. Inside, one could admire the statue of Athena holding a sword and a pomegranate, which is a symbol of fertility and victory.
During its existence, the temple was destroyed more than once. Especially major rebuilding was carried out twice: in 1686 - after the temple was dismantled by the Turks and in 1936 - after the destruction of the platform.
