Athens Acropolis - the treasure of world culture

Athens Acropolis is not only the main attraction of the Greek capital, but also the largest archaeological site of UNESCO's world heritage. For a long time he was on restoration, but now the historical monument is renovated and gladly expects guests from different parts of the world. In 2009, the Museum of the Acropolis was officially opened.

The cultural jewel of Athens is the Acropolis of Athens, the description of which is set forth in the article.

This historical monument consists of a group of unique buildings erected in the 5th century BC. At the initiative of the ruler of Pericles. A beautiful architectural ensemble was erected under the guidance of the most talented architects of the era - Mnizikla, Phidia and others. The Acropolis was built for the purpose of conducting divine services.

The Athenian acropolis is spread over an area of 3 hectares at an altitude of 156 meters above sea level. It includes the majestic temples of Athena the Winner, the Athena of the Virgin, Nicky, Poseidon, the Temple of the Erechtheion, the magnificent Parthenon and many other buildings. Enter the Acropolis only through the gates - Propylaea.

The ancient Greeks admired the monumental Propylaeon and called these majestic gates "the brilliant face of the acropolis". Propylaeon was badly damaged by the explosion of the gunpowder depot, which was organized by Turkish soldiers in this place.

To the right of the entrance to the Acropolis of Athens is the temple of Nicky Ateros. This small structure looks elegant and solemn. In the temple was erected a sculpture of the goddess Nicky. According to legend, first the goddess Nika was with wings, but then they were cut off by the locals, so that Victory would always be with them. During the occupation of the Turkish conquerors, the temple was destroyed, and from its materials a fortification bastion was built. Later, from the blocks that were miraculously preserved, the new temple of the goddess Niki was rebuilt.

In the northern part of the acropolis stands out a building made of marble - a unique architectural monument, a work of classical art - the Erechtheion. In ancient times here was a place of worship of the gods. Athenians built two churches under one roof, which were dedicated to the gods Athena and Poseidon. This building began to be called the Erechtheion. On the east side was the temple of Athena, where there was an ancient wooden sculpture of the goddess, who, according to legends, fell from the sky. A little further down was the temple of Poseidon.

In Erechtheum, tourists admire the Portico of Daughters. These are six charming sculptures of beautiful girls who support the roof of the temple. Later they were called the Caryatids, the so-called women from the small town of Kariya, who were famous for their unearthly beauty, exceptional proportions. One sculpture from Caryatid in the 19th century, by permission of the Turkish sultan, was transported to England by Lord Elgin. Famous Elgin marble sculptures and now can be seen in the British Museum.

The most exalted place of the rocky hill is crowned by the Parthenon. This unique structure has a length of 69.5 m and a width of 30.9 m. The building is surrounded by 46 ten-meter columns. The interior of the temple is not rich, as in ancient times people worshiped God near the temple, without going inside. Only a sculpture of the deity was installed in the temple. In the magnificent Parthenon there was a sculpture of Athena - a twelve-meter statue, sculptured by Phidias of tender ivory and gold. Later, this sculpture was taken by conquerors to Constantinople.

Austere and monumental Parthenon is a unique building in terms of geometry. All the columns of the Parthenon are installed under a slight incline inwards. Modern seismologists have determined that this trick gives the structure an unusual stability in earthquakes. The columns of the Parthenon differ in size from each other - in the corners of the column are more voluminous in relation to the rest. Corner columns are perfectly illuminated from all sides, which visually reduces their volume.

Come to sunny Greece. Your holiday will be filled with various exciting excursions that will allow you to get in touch with the main sights of the country. Among them, the Acropolis of Athens is a bright pearl. A photo on its background will allow you to momentarily stop the time: bright modernity and gray antiquity merge into one.