History
The Acropolis Hill also called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is a well known site in Athens and constitutes of a number of important monuments designed in Greek architecture. Athens was believed to be the principal city of the Attica region. The citadel on top of the hill of Athens is called the Acropolis and it has been inhabited since Neolithic times.
The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis. The monuments of Acropolis represent the typical history of ancient Greek culture as well the pinnacle of artistic development in the 5th century BC.
History has it all that Athens is a city with a glorious past. In the Greek era, the city was worshipped by gods and people, better called as a magical city. The city was a birthplace for civilization and democracy where and most of the wise men of ancient times could be found.
The popular monuments on the hills of Acropolis of Athens are the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea.
Most of modern Athens dates back only to the 19th century- so not much history there; but if you’re the kind who likes to explore, you’ve come to the right place. Athens has dozens of monuments which are just the thing for all those photographs you’ve got to take to show the folks back home.
The pedestal upon which some of the most astounding landmarks are mounted is the flat topped Acropolis , which was constructed in the 5th century as a tribute to the goddess Athena (after whom the city is named).
Visible from almost every place in the city, the Acropolis is adorned and dominated by the graceful Parthenon - one of the architectural masterpieces of all time. The Parthenon has been used (and abused) by different dynasties over the years for different purposes. Turned into a swarming brothel by the Romans and revered as a mosque by the Ottomans, the Parthenon has certainly served its historical purpose- and still continues to do so.
Designed by Ictinus, this elegantly proportioned temple was completed in 438 BC and was originally colored in blue and red with a roof of pure marble. Today, the colonnaded remains are a golden-whitish hue, yet as arresting as the younger Parthenon must once have been.
The Propylaea serves as the monumental entrance to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. It was designed by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble.
To the south-western region of the Propylaea, lies the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike or the temple of Athena Nike which is being restored from many years.
A must-see exhibit tucked into one of the corners of the Acropolis is the Museo Akropoleos . The museum houses an impressive collection of Greek artifacts, including caryatids (statues of traditional Greek priestesses) and other treasures. The Ancient Theatre of Dionysos, where every Athenian citizen took his turn in the chorus of Greek tragedies, is on the southern slope of the Acropolis. Also on the slope below the Parthenon is the Temple of Hephaistos , a solid structure which lacks much of the beauty of the Parthenon itself.
The Acropolis Museum is located on the sacred rock and houses some of the most important sculptures of ancient Greek art. The museum displays sacred sculptures from the temple of Athena Polias on the Acropolis and Archaic buildings, parts of the pediments of the Parthenon and sculptures from the temple of Athena Nike.
Today, Athens has emerged as a major industrial, commercial as well as tourist center of the 20th century. It is clearly visible that the monuments on the Acropolis of Athens reflect ancient history and rich culture of Greece.
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