The Acropolis

We were last in Greece in 2006. At that time, the Parthenon was under scaffolding. I could see by looking at the Parthenon that there was still scaffolding so we had not planned to see it again. But, when we were at the Tourist Information Center, we found out there was free admission to the Acropolis (normally it's €12) because it was Earth Day. We couldn't pass up free and decided to take a quick trip up to see the Erechtheion, my favorite building on the Acropolis.

Seat at the Theatre of Dionysos--the world's first theatre, found on the south slope of the Acropolis.

Nearby is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Performances are still held here.

Throngs of tourists enter through the Beule Gate, past the Temple of Athena Nike on the right and Monument of Agrippa on the left. The Propylaia with its Doric & Ionic column is straight ahead.

After passing through the Propylaia, you will reach the Parthenon (still under scaffolding 9 years later although the scaffolding did move from the north facade to the west facade).

The Parthenon's Pediments--triangular elements topping the east and west facades of the Parthenon--filled with 3 dimensional statues. The Metopes are square carved panels below the Pediments. We'll see these again in the Acropolis Museum.

My favorite building on the Acropolis--the Erechtheion. The Porch of the Caryatids of the Erechtheion. 

The Acropolis gets very crowded so go early in the morning or late in the day. While we were there, it started to rain, complete with thunder and lightning. Unfortunately, there's not much cover on the Acropolis.



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