Description of the attraction
On the northern side of the Acropolis, not far from the Parthenon, is the ancient Greek temple of the Erechtheion. This outstanding monument is rightfully considered the pearl of ancient Greek architecture and one of the main temples of ancient Athens. It was built in 421-406 BC. and is dedicated to a whole galaxy of gods.
According to legend, the temple was built on the site of a dispute between Athena and Poseidon for power over Attica. The Erechtheion replaced an older temple that was on this site, but was destroyed during the Greco-Persian War. The construction was initiated by Pericles, although it was completed after his death. Perhaps the architect was the architect Mnesicles, but this fact has not been reliably confirmed.
The Erechtheion has no analogues in ancient Greek architecture. Made in the Ionian style, it has an asymmetrical layout, not only because of the unevenness of the ground on which it was built, but also because of the variety of sanctuaries connected in it. The temple had two main entrances - from the north and east, they were decorated with Ionic porticoes. The eastern part of the Erechtheion was dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the western part to Poseidon and King Erechtheus.
On the south side is the famous Pandroseion portico, named after the daughter of King Cecropus Pandrosa. Architrave is supported by six marble statues of girls (caryatids) - this is the main attraction of the Erechtheion. Today all of them have been replaced with copies, while the originals are in museums. One of the caryatids is kept in the British Museum, and the rest are in the Acropolis Museum.
The entire structure was surrounded by a frieze with overhead figures, but it has not survived to this day. The found fragments are kept in the Acropolis Museum.
In ancient times, a salt spring beat in the temple, which, according to legend, Poseidon carved out of the rock with his trident, and in the open courtyard there was a sacred olive tree donated to the city by Athena. Once in the temple there was a wooden statue of Athena, which, according to legend, fell from the sky. The statue was made from a sacred olive tree. The Erechtheion also contained a golden lamp by Callimachus and a statue of Hermes. It also housed the altars of the god of crafts Hephaestus and the hero Booth.
The temple got its name in honor of the Athenian king Erechtheus. His grave was under the northern portico. And today you can see the grave of the first king of Attica Kekrop at the western facade of the temple.
Almost nothing is reliably known about the interior decoration of the temple, but it can be assumed that it impressed with its grandeur.
The temple underwent major changes in the 7th century, when it was converted into a Christian church. During the Ottoman Empire, the temple was used as the harem of the Turkish sultan. The first serious restoration of the temple was carried out after Greece gained independence. Today the Erechtheion is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Acropolis of Athens.
