Parthenon, Athens (must see)
Perched atop the Acropolis, overlooking the city of Athens, the ancient temple of Parthenon is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of classical architecture in the world. Built in the 5th century BC under the leadership of the Athenian statesman Pericles, this temple replaced an older sanctuary dedicated to the city's patron deity, Athena. Covered in ivory and gold, the 12-meter statue of the goddess of wisdom and warfare鈥�"Athena Parthenos"鈥攖ook center stage.
At that time, Athens was at the height of its power and influence, particularly after its victory in the Persian Wars and the establishment of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states. The temple's construction was not just a religious endeavor but also a political statement, symbolizing the city's wealth, cultural achievements, and its leadership in promoting democracy and the arts.
A prime example of Doric architecture, the structure was built using high-quality Pentelic marble. In the 5th century AD, it was converted into a church, and later, under Turkish rule, into a mosque. In 1687, during the Venetian siege of the Acropolis, the temple suffered substantial damage from bombardment. Further harm occurred in the early 19th century, when Lord Elgin looted much of its sculptural decoration, currently displayed at the British Museum.
Despite these adversities, the Parthenon endures as one of Greece's most significant surviving architectural monuments and, over the years, has been a source of inspiration for many public buildings worldwide. Originally constructed as a testament to the glory of ancient Athens, it still serves as the city's emblem.
Tips:
Plan your visit to the Acropolis early in the morning to avoid long queues.
The site has two entrance gates; make sure you enter and exit via different gates so as to fully explore the site.
To save money, consider purchasing a combined ticket that covers entry to other attractions too, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora of Athens.
At that time, Athens was at the height of its power and influence, particularly after its victory in the Persian Wars and the establishment of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states. The temple's construction was not just a religious endeavor but also a political statement, symbolizing the city's wealth, cultural achievements, and its leadership in promoting democracy and the arts.
A prime example of Doric architecture, the structure was built using high-quality Pentelic marble. In the 5th century AD, it was converted into a church, and later, under Turkish rule, into a mosque. In 1687, during the Venetian siege of the Acropolis, the temple suffered substantial damage from bombardment. Further harm occurred in the early 19th century, when Lord Elgin looted much of its sculptural decoration, currently displayed at the British Museum.
Despite these adversities, the Parthenon endures as one of Greece's most significant surviving architectural monuments and, over the years, has been a source of inspiration for many public buildings worldwide. Originally constructed as a testament to the glory of ancient Athens, it still serves as the city's emblem.
Tips:
Plan your visit to the Acropolis early in the morning to avoid long queues.
The site has two entrance gates; make sure you enter and exit via different gates so as to fully explore the site.
To save money, consider purchasing a combined ticket that covers entry to other attractions too, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora of Athens.
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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Parthenon on Map
Sight Name: Parthenon
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.
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
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
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
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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Best Cafes in Athens
While in Athens it is immediately noticeable that the local cafe culture thriving. Through this directory you will get a chance to visit very different establishments, ranging from "kafenia", to hip, modern coffee shops and get first hand experience of the diversity of contemporary Greek...
Souvenirs Shopping: 19 Uniquely Greek Products to Bring from Athens
A cradle of European civilization, Greece, in general, and Athens, in particular, have long been - from the days of the Roman Empire up until present - the lure for travelers and history buffs seeking to find and bring home something memorable. Today's Athens (much as its ancient self) offers a...
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
Just as many things in Greece, dining in Athens is very much laid-back with the majority of local eateries seeing patrons begin to congregate for dinner only after 8 pm. Eating-wise, the Athenians favor simplicity, leaning to the more casual and not so pricey tavernas where food is plentiful. To...