Posted by For many visitors, the Parthenon is the Acropolis of Athens. But it’s actually just one building in the ancient Acropolis fortress, albeit the large, central main building of the Athenian Acropolis.
One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Parthenon stands proudly atop the Acropolis of Athens. This magnificent temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture and a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history or architecture buff, or simply a traveler seeking an unforgettable experience, the Parthenon is a must-see on any visit to Athens.
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A Brief History of the Parthenon
The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 BC during the heyday of the Athenian Empire under the leadership of the statesman Pericles. Designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates and decorated with sculptures by the famous artist Phidias, the temple was erected in honor of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. The Parthenon replaced an earlier temple destroyed during the Persian Wars. It served as a place of worship and a treasury, storing valuable offerings and funds from the Delian League.
Over the centuries, the Parthenon has undergone several redesigns. During the Byzantine era, it was converted into a Christian church, during Ottoman rule, it became a mosque, and in 1687, it was severely damaged when a Venetian bombardment ignited the gunpowder stored inside the temple. Nevertheless, the Parthenon remains a lasting symbol of Greek civilization.
Due to the extreme queues at the Acropolis ticket offices, always purchase tickets online through the ticket provider Getyourguide. There are general admission tickets, combination tickets for the Acropolis Museum and other attractions in Athens, and tickets with guided tours.
The Architectural Marvel of the Parthenon
The Parthenon is a prime example of Doric architecture with subtle refinements that create an illusion of perfect harmony. Constructed of fine Pentelic marble, the temple is 69.5 meters long and 30.9 meters wide. It originally housed a massive chryslephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Athena, created by Phidias.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Parthenon’s construction is its optical refinements. The columns are slightly tapered and slope inward, while the base of the temple is gently curved. These techniques counteract optical distortion and create the impression of perfect straight lines, demonstrating the incredible craftsmanship of the ancient Greek architects.
The Parthenon’s sculptural decoration was equally impressive. The pediments (triangular pediments) depicted mythological scenes surrounding Athena, including her birth and her contest with Poseidon for Athenian favor. The frieze in the upper part of the interior (cella) depicted the Panathenaic Procession, a great festival in honor of Athena.
The Parthenon Today
Despite centuries of damage and looting, the Parthenon remains a stunning testament to the artistic and technical prowess of the ancient Greeks. Many of the original sculptures, known as the Elgin Marbles, are now housed in the British Museum in London, while others are on display at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
For decades, restoration has been underway to preserve the structure and integrity of the Parthenon. Visitors today can walk around the temple, admire its towering columns, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Athens from the Acropolis.
How to Visit the Parthenon
Location: The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis Hill in the heart of Athens.
Opening Hours: The Acropolis is open daily, but opening hours vary depending on the season. It is advisable to check with official sources before visiting.
Admission: One admission ticket provides access to the Acropolis and several other historical sites. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens.
Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to visit the Acropolis early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the golden glow of the temple in the soft sunlight.
Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and be prepared for a bit of an uphill climb to reach the site.
Visiting the Parthenon is a journey back in time and offers a glimpse into the splendor of ancient Greece. It is not only an architectural marvel but also a powerful symbol of democracy, art, and culture. Whether you explore it on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history, the Parthenon is a must-see for any traveler to Athens.
Parthenon Questions and Answers
What does Parthenon mean?
What does the name Parthenon mean?
The word Parthenon comes from the ancient Greek παρθενών (parthenṓn) and means “room of the maidens” or “dwelling of Parthenos.” This refers to the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens, to whom the temple was dedicated.
What is the Parthenon?
The Parthenon is an ancient temple on the Acropolis of Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos. It is considered one of the most important buildings of ancient Greece and a masterpiece of classical architecture.
Features of the Parthenon
Built: Between 447 and 432 BC 447 BC under Pericles
Architects: Iktinus and Callicrates
Sculptor: Phidias (created the giant statue of Athena inside)
Architectural Style: Doric temple with some Ionic elements
Material: Pentelic marble
Special Features
Size: 69.5 m long, 30.9 m wide, 10.4 m high
Columns: 8 at the front and back, 17 at the sides
Optical Corrections: To avoid distortion, the columns are slightly inclined inward, and the platform is slightly curved.
When was the Parthenon built?
The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 BC, during the heyday of Athens under the leadership of Pericles. Construction began after Athens’ victory over the Persians at the Battle of Plataeae (479 BC), when Athens celebrated its power and prosperity.
Who was allowed into the Parthenon?
The Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, and it was not open to the general public. Only priests and priestesses, as well as a few select individuals, had access to certain areas of the temple.
Access to the Parthenon:
1.Priests and priestesses:
They had access to the sacred areas of the temple, especially to the statue of Athena Parthenos, which was located inside the temple.
The priestesses were responsible for conducting religious ceremonies.
2.Dedications and Festivities:
There were certain religious festivals, such as the Panathenaic Festival, during which a procession led through Athens to the Parthenon.
During such events, the temple was opened to the priests and high society.
3.The general public:
The general population of Athens was not allowed to enter the Parthenon itself. However, they could participate in the processions and festivities that took place around the temple.
The interior of the Parthenon was accessible only to the priesthood, while the exterior was open to the public.
How do I get to the Parthenon?
The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis of Athens, and to visit the temple, you must purchase an Acropolis ticket, as the Parthenon is part of this archaeological site. There are several ways to purchase a ticket and visit the Acropolis:
Parthenon Ticket Options
1.Acropolis Single Ticket
Validity: Valid for entry to the Acropolis site, including the Parthenon and other sites such as the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Availability: Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket offices (often long lines or sold out) or online.
2.Multi-Site Combo Ticket
Price: Approximately €30 (as of 2023), reduced for EU citizens under 25: €15
Validity: The combo ticket is valid for 5 days and includes the Acropolis as well as other important archaeological sites in Athens, such as the Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, Olympeion, and Hadrian’s Gate.
Availability: Can be purchased online or on-site.
3.Free Admission:
Free admission is available on certain days of the year, such as Greek holidays or International Heritage Day (April 18). It is recommended to check these dates in advance.
Visiting the Parthenon
You can enter the Parthenon when you enter the Acropolis grounds. The temple is accessible during regular opening hours, which are usually from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (during the summer months).
For a better overview and to avoid long lines, it’s advisable to plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Online Tickets
It’s also possible to purchase tickets online, saving you time and reducing queues on site. Websites like www.getyourguide.de offer the option of booking tickets in advance.