The Acropolis

Quick Facts

- Acropolis means "upper city"

- Sits about 150 meters above sea level

- Constructed in 447-438 B.C.

- Also known as Cecropia or Kekrops after the

first king of Athens

- The monuments have survived fires, earthquakes, floods, war and invasions for 20 centuries

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2007/10/17/acropolis460.jpg

Layout

- Parthenon

- Erechtheion

- Theatre of Dionysus

- Propylaea

- Temple of Nike Apteros

- Theatre of Herod Atticus

http://www.in2greece.com/blog/uploaded_images/acropolis-map-765046.jpg

Parthenon

- Temple of Athena

- Doric style

- Phiades, famous sculptor who designed it

- 1456 converted into a mosque because of the

Ottoman rule

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/parthenon-and-the-acropolis-landmark-1.jpg

Erechtheion

- Greek Myth: Hephaestus, a god, tried to rape Athena

unsuccessful he impregnated the earth. Result was the demi-god Erechtheus. Athena raised him as her own.

-Built in 420 B.C. the "youngest" buliding in the Acropolis.

- The tombs of Cercrops and Erechtheus are said to be here.

- The Caryatids are the women pillars.

http://beewacker.com/photos%20greece/photos_athens/erechtheion1.jpg

Propylaea

- The entrance to the Acropolis

- Started building it in 437 B.C., contruction interrupted by the Pelopenesion War

- U-shaped, main part with two wings on east and west sides.

- Has bothe doric and ionic style columns

- Painted walls and panels inside

Tourism

- Tourists can take a led tour of the Acopolis or go on their own.

- In August the Acropolis is open for a late night moon showing of the new moon.

- Best time to travel to the Acropolis is Spring, all the flowers are blooming.

- As of May 2011 the Acropolis is open all day all year round to try and boost money coming in from tourists.

- The walk up to the Acropolis is long but pleasant because of small stores and restaurants lining the road.

Strikes

- Recent strikes have closed the Acropolis to visitors, angering them.

- A 2-day strike by the Ministry of Culture closed ALL archaeological sites in Greece. The strikers feel under-payed.

- The many strikes are upsetting many tourists, many of them schedule their whole vacation plans around going to the Acropolis.