The Acropolis

I was in Greece a few weeks ago and one of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Acropolis located on a small hill in the center of modern day Athens. This place has hosted human settlements since the Bonze age, approximately 3500 years ago.

The north slope of the Acropolis was covered in wild flowers, the outline on the right is the Propylae or main entrance. The outline on the left is a temple called the Eretchteum, dedicated to the Greek hero Erichthonious.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built by it’s namesake in the memory of his wife and has served as a venue for many modern day musicians as well.

The Theatre of Dionysus was originally built by the Greeks and subsequently renovated by the Romans.

Annoying tourists pose for pictures next to the Parthenon, a Doric style temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – protector of ancient Athens.

The south (long) and east side of the Parthenon, notice the subtle curvature of the columns.

Across the Parthenon is the famous Porch of Maidens on the back side of the Erechtheum.

At the base of the hill, near the ancient Agora (market) is the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved Doric temple in the world today.

 

The Chapel of St. George at the summit of the Mount Lykabettos – the highest hill in Athens.

You can see beautiful sunsets from the top of Mount Lykabettos.

At dusk the Acropolis is lit up and jumps out against the magnificent backdrop of the Aegean sea.

You can see more picture here (soon).