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Greece - Athens, Acropolis > Erechtheion

The Acropolis of Athens, or the “Sacred Rock” as it is called, is considered the ultimate symbol of ancient Greek civilization and culture. The Acropolis rock -156 meters above sea level - is considered a landmark for Athens, with its history linked to religious festivals, myths and struggles throughout the centuries. Since 1987 it has been a monument protected by UNESCO as a cultural site.

The Erechtheion (or Temple of Athena Polias), located on the northern side of the Acropolis, was built between 421 and 406 B.C., but was actually completed in 395 B.C., due to interruptions caused by the Peloponnese Wars. It is a replacement of an earlier temple dedicated to Athena Polias. The name derives from Erechtheus, the mytical king of Athens, who was worshipped there.

The Erechtheion consists of several sacred sites, all under one roof. These include a church, a palace and a harem. This structure has a rather complicated layout when compared to others on the Acropolis. There are shrines inside dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, who fought for the city, as well as to the two legendary Kings of Athens, Erechtheos and Kekrops.

The Erechtheion is known mainly through its porch, its colums instead of pillars had six maidens - two meters in height - known as the “Caryatids”, that support the roof. In 1811 one of them was brought to England (now in the British Museum); the remaining five were replaced by replicas to prevent further damage from the smog (nowadays the originals are in the Acropolis Museum).
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55 comments

Percy Schramm said:

Fantastic looking ruins against the blue sky. HFF, wish you a nice weekend, Jaap !
13 months ago

Annemarie said:

nice pic for today, wonderful blue sky

HFF!
13 months ago

Nouchetdu38 said:

A magnificently photographed marvel of Antiquity!!!!*********************
13 months ago

David G Johnson said:

Great photo's Jaap,.. and your regular full information too - thanks,.. // A ''HFF'' from > Dj.
13 months ago

Malik Raoulda said:

IMPECCABLE et excellemment partagée avec ces informations très pertinentes.
HFF et agréable fin de semaine clémente et salutaire.
13 months ago ( translate )

David Slater (Spodde… said:

HFF Jaap and best wishes for the weekend.
13 months ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Superbes images des ruines grecques !
HFF et Bon weekend. Amitiés
13 months ago ( translate )

Nora Caracci said:

splendid ruins, exquisite soft palette !
hFF & WE !!!
13 months ago ( translate )

TOZ said:

Great Image Jaap.
HFF have a good day.
TOZ
13 months ago

gezginruh said:

Great images of the wonderful place!
HFF and have a great weekend,Jaap!

Best wishes
Füsun
13 months ago

Walter 7.8.1956 said:

Bauwerke für die Ewigkeit!!
13 months ago ( translate )

Roger (Grisly) said:

Excellent images and great information Jaap,
HFF and a good weekend!
13 months ago

tiabunna said:

Great images and information, Jaap. HFF and have a good weekend.
13 months ago

Ecobird said:

Fabulous images and I really enjoyed the information in your notes Jaap. I particularly like the image in the first PiP.

HFF and have a good weekend
13 months ago

Günter Klaus said:

Da hast du wunderschöne Bilder gemacht von dieser Ruine lieber Jaap :))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Tag,ganz liebe Grüße Güni :))
13 months ago ( translate )