Erechtheion, Athens (must see)
Constructed between 421 and 406 BC, the Erechtheion was dedicated to two powerful deities of the Greek pantheon, Athena and Poseidon. According to myth, the two competed for the city's patronage, to secure which they each provided a valuable gift. Poseidon, the god of the sea, struck the ground with his trident, creating a saltwater spring, while Athena, the goddess of wisdom, planted an olive tree that sprouted. Her gift was deemed more beneficial by locals, and so she became the city's patron. They also say that this temple stands on the very spot where Poseidon's trident left its marks.
A sacred sanctuary and a focal point for religious rituals in classical Athens, this unique monument is renowned for its graceful Ionic architecture. The spacious rectangular cella inside used to comprise three chambers. One of them held the sacred olivewood statue of Athena, while the other two were dedicated to Poseidon, symbolizing their reconciliation after the legendary conflict.
The cella was encircled by porticoes on the north, east, and south sides. The latter, famously known as the Porch of the Caryatids, featured six imposing female statues supporting the porch roof with their heads. The maiden sculptures currently in place are replicas; the originals are kept in the Acropolis Museum, protected from elements to avoid further deterioration.
Over the years, the Erechtheion complex has served various purposes, including as a harem for the wives of the Ottoman commander, in 1463. It also suffered extensive damage when a Turkish shell struck it during the Greek War of Independence, in 1827. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tip:
Consider taking a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history and significance. If you opt to explore it independently, plan to visit in the morning and be sure to carry water, as no refreshments are available inside.
A sacred sanctuary and a focal point for religious rituals in classical Athens, this unique monument is renowned for its graceful Ionic architecture. The spacious rectangular cella inside used to comprise three chambers. One of them held the sacred olivewood statue of Athena, while the other two were dedicated to Poseidon, symbolizing their reconciliation after the legendary conflict.
The cella was encircled by porticoes on the north, east, and south sides. The latter, famously known as the Porch of the Caryatids, featured six imposing female statues supporting the porch roof with their heads. The maiden sculptures currently in place are replicas; the originals are kept in the Acropolis Museum, protected from elements to avoid further deterioration.
Over the years, the Erechtheion complex has served various purposes, including as a harem for the wives of the Ottoman commander, in 1463. It also suffered extensive damage when a Turkish shell struck it during the Greek War of Independence, in 1827. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tip:
Consider taking a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history and significance. If you opt to explore it independently, plan to visit in the morning and be sure to carry water, as no refreshments are available inside.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Erechtheion on Map
Sight Name: Erechtheion
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The 鈥渘eighborhood of the Gods鈥�, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatz铆ki, dolm谩des, kalamar谩kia) can constitute a full meal. Greece鈥檚 most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto鈥檚 queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
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