The overall characteristics of the Athenian Acropolis Description of the temples. Athenian Acropolis: Quick description of the complex, history and reviews

Athenian Acropolis, crowned by the ruins of Parfenon, is one of the archetypical images of world culture. Already the first look at these ancient ruins over the roads filled with cars, gives unusual experiences: something unusual and at the same time a familiar is familiar, almost native. Parthenon - the symbol of the authorities of the Athenian policy, and in such an as he was known to all Ancient world. But it is unlikely that the creators of the temple predicted that his ruins would symbolize the emergence and formation of world civilization - not to mention that two and a half thousand years later, Parfenon will attract a huge number of tourists (about two million annually).

Athenian Acropolis is a rock. Almost no antique Greek city did without its Acropolis (the Word itself means the Upper City), but the Athens "Upper City" is an Acropolis with a capital letter, and, mentioning it, there is no need to go into additional explanations. Acropolis - limestone block with cool down slopes and flat, towering on the staple height of the vertex. Acropolis was easy to defend, in drinking water Never had a lack of, so the temptation of the possession of the rock is obvious. Even today, she remains the heart of the city. On the flat top of the Acropolis, not only Parthenon, but also Erehechteion, the temple of Nicky Apteher and propylene, preserved the remains of many less significant ancient structures, and there is also the current museum.

All this is observed by the fence and is one museum complex. The southern slope of the Acropolis with two large theaters and several smaller temples fall through other gates and on separate tickets. Now the streets surrounding Athenian Acropolis are announced by pedestrian, and you can bypass around the hill and ancient agor, admiring these monuments. West, Tiscio has a lot of cafes, where you can relax over a cup of coffee on the terrace. At the opposite end -, in the labyrinth of the streets of which you can get lost, but the Acropolis can always serve as a guide for you.

You can get to the top of the Acropolis from the West, on the other side where the foot of the hill is a big bus park. The usual pedestrian road to the entrance begins in the north-western area of \u200b\u200bthe cry and passes along the path stretching over the odo-doskuron, where this street is connected to the theormal. You can approach Acropolis and from the south, on the pedestrian street by Dionisiu-Areopayituita (Metro Acropoly), past theater of Dionysus and the Theater of Heroda Attica, or from the north: through an antique agor (entrance to Adriana; Monastiraki metro station), or the route is authentic, but It pays off with magnificent views of both the Acropolis - from Tiscio, on the transport-free street by the Apostle Paul (Metro Tsio).

There are no stores on the Acropolis, nor restaurants, although the main ticket office has a pair of racks where they sell water and sandwiches, as well as guidebooks, postcards, and so on. Opposite the metro station of the Acropoli (at the corner of Macrias and Deak), there is a café of the Everest network, there are enough other similar institutions nearby. And if you want not to have a snack, but to eat as it should, then, having left in any direction, you will very soon find a cafe or tavern: in a cry, monastirakki, Macryannie or in Tisio.

Brief history of the Athenian Acropolis

In the II Millennium BC, the neolithic settlement on the Acropolis is replaced by the settlement of the Bronze Age. It was a rather significant fortified settlement, reminiscent of Myckene Centers. The acropolis was surrounded by a wall constructed by the pattern of cycloic walls and. Remains of these walls can be seen now. On the territory of the Acropolis was the Palace of the king - Basileia. Palace, the remains of which are preserved, mentioned in Iliad and "Odyssey".

At the foot of the Acropolis, on the territory of the later agor (market square), residents of the settlement of the Myckene era were buried their dead. Like all Mycken Greece, did not avoid shocks caused by the invasion of the northern Greek tribes of Dorians, moving several waves since 1200 to our era. Acropolis at that time was the place of cult of the goddess Athena - the patroness of the city - and the place of stay of the rulers of Athens Evpatridov, who changed the king, Basilei. The people's assemblies occurred in the propellants of the Acropolis, the rocky hill of the Mareopag was tied to the west, named after the god of the war of Ares. Here, on the aligned top, the Council of Elders of Knowledge Births was gathered.

The beginning of the VI century BC - the time of the reforms of Solon, the wise Athenian legislator. In 594, before our era, he was elected archon. The reforms of Solon marked the beginning to the formation of a democratic city-state in Athens - Polis. In Athens, a new center of public and political life on Agora, located to the north-west of Acropolis, arises. Intensive construction in Athens has developed during the Tirani of the Pissistrata, which has made a lot of efforts to decorate and improve the city. New buildings were erected on Agore: the temples of Apollo and Zeus, the altar of the twelve gods.

At the Acropolis, the Piscistratus and his sons were also taken by a large construction. "The old temple of Athens was observed from all sides by colonnada. New propelleans were built, an altar was erected, dedicated to Athena-Nika. A large number of statues brought by Athenian citizens as a gift from the patroness of the city, adorned by Athenian Acropolis. After some time, the Athenians achieved military superiority, and after the defeat of the Persians, in which a significant role was played, the period of the highest flourishing of the Athenian state occurred. He headed his pericles, whose reign time (444/43-429 BC) is considered to be the golden age of Athens.

They not only turned into one of the most powerful and influential states of Greece, but also became the center of cultural and artistic life of the entire ancient world. Athens headed the Sea Union (Delos League), which united many policies of Northern Greece and Islands Aegean Sea. The treasury of the Union was kept in Athens, which could have managed it. This circumstance, as well as the richest prey received by the Athenians after the victory over the Persians, made it possible to implement a wide construction program in the city. The great idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a new ensemble of the Athenian Acropolis was implemented.

At the head of this tremendous work, the greatest sculptor of Greece Fidi, which created two statues of Athena to decorate the Acropolis - Prosakhos (Warfish) and Parfenos (Virgin). Under the guidance, Fidia worked a whole pleiad of outstanding architects and sculptors. One by one, the monuments were erected, which became the best examples of classical Greek architecture: Majestic Parthenon, Easy and Elegant Church of Nicky Aptereros, Paradinary propelleans, the second largest temple of the Athenian Acropolis - Erehetteion. The Athenian Acropolis fully expressed the greatness of the city, formerly by the testimony of the ancient Greeks recognized by the capital of Eldlas.

And, indeed, the subsequent centuries, up to the Byzantine time, did not leave almost no traces on the Acropolis. The Peloponnesian War lost to Athens laid an end to the prosperity of Athens, which was lost in the IV century to our era, the primary position among Greek cities. The political decline of Athens completed the submission of Greece to the Government of the Macedonian kings. In the middle of the II century BC, the Roman Republic subjugated Greece. At the beginning of the I century BC, Athens tried to relieve the power of Rome. In 87, before our era, the Roman commander of Sulla after a long siege took the city and cruelly loosened him. The first place among its mining was occupied by the works of Greek art.

In 267, our era, the city was destroyed by a destructive rata and gerulov. With the spread of Christianity Athens, the significance of the center of the Ellenian culture was increasingly lost. The philosophical schools were closed, and in 529, decree of the emperor of Justinian were expelled from Athens the latest philosophers and risers. The ancient temples were turned into Christian churches. After that, the temples were used both in secular and religious purposes. The inner interior of these temples has undergone a native alteration. The new stage of the history of the city begins with the crusades. After the fourth crusade and capture of Constantinople entered the Latin Empire.

Athens became the capital of the Duke of Athens, in which for 250 years of its existence (1205-1456) has changed a number of rulers. Propilenes were turned into a palace, and in 1456, when Athens was captured by the Turks and the Acropolis became a Turkish fortress, propelleans became a barracks and a powder warehouse. In 1656, a random explosion in this warehouse destroyed almost the entire central part of the building. Parthenon from the Greek Temple turned into Roman, then - from the Byzantine Church to the Franksky Cathedral, to subsequently exist for several centuries as the Turkish mosque. And Ereheheton, apparently, because it was decorated with female figures, one time served as a harem.

A venetian diplomat of Hugo Favoli wrote in 1563, which over the Acropolis "towering glittering gold crescents", and in the southwestern part of Parfenon, the high and thin Tower of the Minaret rose. But, despite all this buildings on the rock, they were still reminded, and probably much more than the current ruins - an anti-acour: ancient, filled with sculptures painted in bright colors. Sadly, all these magnificent samples of architecture are preserved only on engravings and drawings of that time: the buildings were destroyed during the siege of Venetians. Turks disassembled the temple of Nicky Apterems, and the material was used to build bastion.

Later, Venetians, holding a Turkish garrison in a siege, a cannon core blew up Parthenon, who was turned into a powder warehouse. The whole killer of the temple was destroyed, the fire was raging two days and two nights. The destruction of Parfenon and the capture of the Acropolis was meaningless: the Venetians soon left the Athens, and the Turks returned to the Acropolis, for some time the period of wars were over for Athens, but not destruction. Lovers of antiquities that penetrating here, not only admired them, but also tried to kidnap them.

Top of the Athenian Acropolis

Today, like two thousand and a half years ago, only one road leads to the top of the acropolis. At the time of the pericles on the Athenian Acropolis, a powerful road was led to the sloping slope. Above the large platform rummage. A gate framed by two pilons come to the platform. In 1853, they opened the archaeologist Baile - according to his behalf, they are named by the gate of Baile. From here the road went up, to propelleam.

The top of the Acropolis is open for visiting Daily April-September 8: 00-19: 30; October-March 8: 00-16: 30, the entrance costs 12 €, free of charge on public holidays and on Sunday November-March. Buying a ticket, you pay a visit to the Theater of Dionysus, ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Carameykos and the temple of Zeus, and any of these you can visit before the Acropolis, but make sure that you do not sell a separate ticket instead of the total (the ticket is valid for 4 days ).

Backpacks and large bags are prohibited - the baggage can be passed into the storage chamber at the main ticket office. The collision on the Acropolis is terrifying - you do not want to make you the crowd? Select from the morning early or in the evening, most of all the people are here late in the morning, when a lot of buses are going to tourists who will soon go to Lunch.

• Offilers of the Athenian Acropolis

Propilenes in 437-432 BC built a membrane, the proportions of the structure were harmonized with a newly completed parfenon. Side wings are adjacent to the central part of the flow. They erected them from the same Pentelian marble (mined in a penny on Mount Pentelikon, which is northeast of the city), as the temple, and in greatness and architectural perfection, as in the impression of impressions, are almost comparable to Parfenon. Many for the first time joined the usual doric columns with columns of the ionic order, which is higher and more elegant.

The columns seem to prepare their solemn rhythm, the reverent mood, which was to cover the ancient Athenians, who joined the territory of the goddess sanctuary - the patronage of the city. Propilenes became the most revered monument of Athens. The northern wing of propellants consists of an external portico and an extensive rectangular hall for it. In the ancient time there was a famous Pinakotek - the first art gallery in the world. The works of the largest Greek artists of the classical era were kept here, including the polygnot. He worked in the second quarter of the V century to our era, and six centuries later, already in the Roman era, his works described the PAsans in his guidebook "Description of Eldla". The northern wing of the propellant corresponds to the southern, but it is less.

It is believed that the earth's consciously reduced the sizes of the southern wing, because he took into account the presence of the church of Nicky Apterems (Athens Winner). It is impossible not to be surprised at how mastery the enemy character and the author of the project of the church of Nicky Apteros Kallicrat decided to solve the challenge - to connect these two buildings in one ensemble. One of the best of all the preserved sites of the Panificine path is noticeable - the sacred road, which was marched by Panafine's participants who arose every four years of the festivities in honor of the divine patronage of the policy (images of these processions were decorated with Fries of Parfenon).

The march began in the city, at the main cemetery, Keramikos, and, passing through the propellera, was sent to Parfenon, and then to Erechteyon. On weekday, most of the sacred path was used as an ordinary road. In the antiquity of the procession passed by the Promakhos of the Proshathos Bronze Statue, that is, the Athens Warfish, and recently installed the place where the pedestal of sculptures stood. The statue of the fidium is symbolically displayed in sculpture resistance of Athenian Persam. In the Byzantine era, the sculpture was transported to Constantinople (current), where it destroyed an angry crowd, who belonged to the rumor that the indicative of the goddess was brought in 1204 to the city of Crusaders.

• Church of Nicky Aptereros in Athenian Acropolis

A simple and elegant church of Nicky Aptereros was decided to build in honor of the victorious completion of the war with Persians in 449 BC. But construction was completed only in 427-424 to our era. He stands on the three-step pedestal. His monolithic columns are close to Ionian columns. Now the temple appeared newly updated: he was disassembled, and the fragments were taken away - clean and renovate. It's funny, but this happens not for the first time: Turks in 1685 disassembled the building to free the battery place.

After two hundred years, the restorers collected the scattered parts and recreated the initial look of the temple. No less impressive recovery of the reliefs of the frieze of the temple from fragments. The most wonderful sample of art, both ancient artists and restorers of the last century, you will see in the Acropoli Museum, this is Nick, Trial Sandals. On the frieze of the temple is very realistic depicted by the victory of Athenians over the Persians in the battle at the board.

From the Pyrgos Temple of Nicky Aptereros, a beautiful view of the entire city and the Saronic Bay, whose water is washed by the coast of Attica. One of the poetic myths of the ancient Athens is connected with this, which has retold PAVSANI. Myth tells the story of Tsar Egue, who expected when white sails will appear and commemorate his son Tezay, who sent to kill Minotaur. Theses, who returned with the victory, forgot about his promise to change black sails on white. Father, seeing black sails, decided that the son was killed, in despair rushed down on the rocks and crashed.

It is best, perhaps, look at the temple, if you go through the propellants and get up to a little right. From there you can see nearby what remained from the Historia of Artemis Bravaron. Although his appointment is not very clear, it is known that there was once a Trojan horse in it, made in bronze. A plot of a Mycenaeine shaft (parallel to propiles), included in the general construction plan of the classical period, is strongly striking.

• Antique Monument to Parthenon in Athenian Acropolis

Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena-Parthenos (Virgo), was built as part of the implementation of the Pericla program. The temple was conceived as a new Sanctuary of Athena. Inside the temple was divided into two unequal parts. In the main, East, there was a famous statue of Athena, made of gold and ivory. In the face of the statue were inserted gems, and on the chest in the center of the shell, the deadly head of the jellyfish gorgon, made of ivory, was drawn. The statue of the logged in FIDU was set in a semi-man designed for her hall - Celsius, and she was there until the V century BC. Until our days, the statue did not reach, but numerous later copies were preserved, including a wonderful Roman copy exhibited in.

Parthenon, like other classic temples, stood on the stylobate, each of the steps of which had a height of 0.55-0.59 meters. But his grandeur does not give up the viewer, in this feature of Greek architecture, her deep humanism. Parthenon is a classic model of the Greek Temple of the Doric Orders, but at the same time its architecture is characterized by a number of unique individual features. The proportions of columns and antablement, the ratio of the number of columns on the sides of the temple (the number of columns on the longitudinal side per longer than double the number of the facade columns, that is, 8 and 17) strictly comply with the standards produced by classical Greek architecture. Skillfully used such techniques, like a small thickening and the slope of the angular columns to the center, the entazis - the swelling of the trunk of the column, the light flexion of the stylobate stage.

All these features were to refund the errors of the visual perception, since absolutely straight lines are perceived at a distance of a human eye as a slightly concave. As a result, Parfenon grows before the eyes as perfect for clear, harmonious lines and the proportions of the building. The festive and elegant once looked at Parfenon with its white grasses and walls, crowned with sculptural friezes and frontones, in which polychromia was widely used: the background of the frontons and the labels were painted in a dark red color, freeza - in blue. On this color background, figures that retained marble color were especially clearly distinguished. The details were also painted or gilded. The entire sculptural decor of Parfenon was subordinate to one goal - glorifying native city, His gods and heroes, his people.

The temple decorated freezing fine work. The topic of frieza is the glorification of the Athenian people on the day of the celebration of the Great Panafine. Chief, East, Fronton Parfenon was decorated with a composition that portrayed the myth about the birth of the goddess Athena. On the Western Frontone depicts the legend of the attic - about the dispute of Athens with Poseidon for power over the attic. Most of the front, the central columns and the kella are destroyed in 1687, when Athenian Acropolis was besieged by Venetians. The best samples of the preserved sculptures are now in - these are the so-called "Algina marbles". Several genuine sculptures, fragments, along with the temple layout, can be seen in the Acropolis Museum, and the metro station Acropolis decorate very good church reproductions.

• Ancient Temple of Erehechteyon in Athenian Acropolis

North of Parfenon rises Erechteyon. The myth says that when Athena hit a spear about Earth, an olive tree has grown out of her, and marine water scored the key. The winner of the Olympic gods declared Athena. PAsaniy writes that I saw an olive tree and sea waterAnd adds: "Unusually in this well that when the wind blows, it would seem to be splashing in it." Erehechteion is a completely unique monument. The originality of his asymmetric plan is explained by the fact that this temple united a number of different sanctuations. Most of them existed in this place before the construction of Erehechtione. The construction of the Erehechteion was provided by the plan of grandiose construction on the Acropolis developed during the pericale.

Erehechteyon was the main place of cult of the goddess Athena, the place of storing her ancient statue. The temple was named after one of the oldest legendary kings and the heroes of Athens - Erechtea. The author of the project of this temple is unknown. Some scientists, finding analogies in the planning of Erehechteion and dug, believe that they could be a membrane. Once here was one of the sacred places, where on the rock you could see the trail left by Poseidon's trident during his dispute with Athena. Here was Kekropyon - the grave and the sanctuary of the first legendary king Attica - Kekron. The famous portico of Caryatid is elevated above it. At a high base, there are six statues of girls who support the overlap of the portication.

These magnificent and strong figures are calm. Falling vertically down the folds of Doric Long Peplelos resemble the flutes of columns. Who were these girls depicted? There is a believable assumption: in the number of ministers of the cult of Athena included arrephors, young girls who came out of the best Athenian families for a period of one year. They participated in the manufacture of the Holy Peplos, in which annually dressed up an ancient statue of Athens. Time and people did not spare the statues of Caryatid. Five genuine statues is located in the Acropolis Museum. One of them broke out Lord Eldin. It is replaced by a copy.

The southern slope of the Athenian Acropolis

Get to the southern slope of the acropolis (daily summer 8: 00-19: 00; winter: 8: 30-15: 00; 2 € or by unified ticket At the Athens Acropolis) it is possible from the place where the main ticket officeOr with the pedestrian Avenue of Leoffos Dionisia Areopayitis, which is where the Stropoli metro station. Dominates on the southern slope of the Acropolian hill built in the II century, the Roman Theater (Odeon) Herodes Attica, which was renovated and currently during the summer festivals is the scene for musical performances and performing an ancient Greek drama. Unfortunately, visitors are allowed inside only at ideas, at other times the access is closed.

But there is another theater of Dionysus, which is also located at the southern slope of the Acropolis. This is one of those places in the city that prompted to remember the past: it was here for the first time the masterpieces of Eschila, Sophokla, Euripid and Aristofan were set. Here, the tragedy was put annually - and each Athenian could take part in the production and in the choir. In the 4th century BC, the theater was rebuilt, and he began to accommodate about 17 thousand spectators, 20 of 64 tiers of the ancient theater reached our days. Here you can see large marble chairs in the first row, which were intended for the priests and senior officials, as evidenced by the inscriptions on the chairs.

In the center there is a chair for the priest of God Dionisa, near the chair for the representative of the Delphic Oracle. The semi-chart theater is paved by stone plates forming in the center of the pattern. Orhestra closes the low-skie, the front side of which is decorated with reliefs depicting various episodes from the myths about Dionesis. In the middle of the frieze, an expressive figure of Silena is placed, the satellite of God Dionisa: bent, he, as it would be to hold the failing of Paul Snah on his shoulders. Around the theater of bustle and construction equipment - archaeological excavations are underway, which promise to give interesting results.

Over the theater rises rocks of the Acropolis. They are crowned with a powerful defensive wall. The walls visible two Corinth columns - the remnants of the Roman time structure. Under them darkens the entrance to the chapel in the rock, fenced by ropes. Once he was dedicated to Dionysus, now the chapel of Our Lady - Panayia Spieliotis. To the west of the theater are the ruins of Asktlepion - the sanctuary, in which the healing of the healing asklepia worshiped, it was built around the sacred source. The Church of Saints Holy Healers of Cosma and Damian was erected in the Byzantine Epoch, from which only ruins remained. Next to the road, the foundation of the Roman Stoy Evemen stretches, the ranks of the columns of which stretched to the theater of Heroda Attica.

• Museum of Athenian Acropolis

After decades of the wires, by the time you read this article, the new Acropolis Museum will definitively be completely open (opened on June 20, 2009) at the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Acopoli Metro. He looks great. Architectural attractions on the top floor, in glass windows and with species directly to Parfenon. Here, as hoping, marble sculptures from Parfenon will be again united (those that are now in the Acropoli Museum, and those that may be returned are marble sculptures of Algina). To speed up and facilitate the return of these sculptures, the Greeks agree that they simply provide them for exposure, or that part of the museum was the British Museum in Athens, then the owner will not change.

Until now, I also ignored all the offers, but many continue to believe that the equipment of the new museum - with spaces at the places of missing exhibits - finally will force the British Museum of London to take steps to meet. Among the exhibits from the old collection, most of which you can see in new places, sculptures, who decorated the frieze of the old temple of Athens (VII-VI century to our era), which partially retained their rich coloring. A little further is Moshofor - a marble statue (570 years BC) - one of the earliest marble statues found on the Acropolis. The sculptor of the young man carrying the sacrificial calf on the shoulders. One of the most precious treasures of the museum is also exposed - a collection of statues of Cor.

Statues depicted the priestess of the goddess Athena and stood near her temple. Here is located interesting statue Rider fine work. Most of the statues refer to the second half of the 6th century BC, when Ionian sculptors worked as an attic. They created a new type of bark, maybe less expressive, but more elegant. Here you can also see the charming sculpture that the Greeks are called Sandalizursse: Athena-Nika (winner) approxes sandals. Finally, five authentic Caryatid with Erehechtione is exhibited. On the lowest floor there is a glazed semi-agent, which contains the exhibits of the early Christian Athens discovered during construction work.

• Hill Areopag Athens Acropolis

Just below the entrance to Athenian Acropolis you will see high inconvenient-carved steps in the rock leading to the areaopagu. On this "Hill of Ares" in the era of the Board of the Kings-Basileev, the court of elders met the court, higher organ Athenian state. The court disassembled the killings. And the first to whom they were judged were, on myths, God Apec, who killed altarota, Son Poseidon, and Orest, the son of Agamemnon and Cleaner, who, mushroom, killed his mother. The victory of democracy took the power from the court the authorities and transferred it to the National Assembly (it felt on the pantic).

Persians, precipitating Athenian Acropolis in 480 BC, spread her camp here, and in the Roman times the apostle Paul read sermon. Until our days, the testimony of ancient greatness did not react, the hill was filled with cigarette cigarettes and empty banks from under beer - both remain from tourists, leaving here after excursions in Acropolis and alive enjoying views. And the types here are good - down on Agora and ahead on the ancient cemetery in Ceramicos.

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Athenian Acropolis is the greatest monument of ancient architecture in the Greek city of Athens. Here were the ancient temples of the Gods of Eldlas. Acropolis towers over the city, standing on a huge cliff from limestone.

View of Athens Acropolis (Carole Raddato / Flickr.com) Parfenon (Tilemahos efthimiadis / flickr.com) Athens Acropolis (© a.savin, Wikimedia Commons) Acropolis, Continules (Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr.com) View of the rack from the temple of Zeus Olympic, Acropolis, Athens, Greece (George Rex / Flickr.com) Acropolis - Theater of Dionisa (Swifant / Flickr.com) Church of Nicky Aptheros (Tilemahos Efthimiadis / Flickr.com) Temple Aptheros (Tilemahos efthimiadis / flickr.com) Close-up of one From the corners of the temple Apenter on top of the Acropolis (Jack Zalium / Flickr.com) Propilenes (Elias Filis / Flickr.com) Propilenes (Piet Theisohn / Flickr.com) Entrance to Acropolis (Ohhenry415 / Flickr.com) View of Acropolis with Agora (Arian Zwegers / Flickr.com) Erechteyon (Casey and Sonja / Flickr.com) HecataMedon (Roy L ... / Flickr.com) Ronny Siegel / Flickr.com Erechteyon / Caryatids (George Rex / Flickr.com) Odeon Heroda Attica, built in 161 year of our era on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens in memory of his wife Annia Regil La, Athens, Greece (Carole Raddato / Flickr.com) Parthenon, Athens Acropolis (Carole Raddato / Flickr.com) Parthenon, 1985 (Nathan Hughes Hamilton / Flickr.com) in front of Parfenon (Kristoffer Trolle / Flickr.com) Parthenon, Acropolis Athens (Faungg's Photos / Flickr.com) Parthenon in Athens (Attica, Greece) (© a.savin, Wikimedia Commons) Acropolis scheme with signatures (© MadMedea, Wikimedia Commons)

The main attractions of Greece are Athenian Acropolis, Olympia and Rhodes.

Acropolis is the greatest monument of ancient architecture in the Greek city of Athens. This is a whole range of facilities over which the antique sculpture masters and architects worked.

Athenian Acropolis was sacred MozHere the ancient temples of the Gods of Eldlats were located. It is sad that now you can see only ruins. But even at present, the architectural ensemble of the Athenian Acropolis causes admiration for antiquity lovers.

Acropolis is the heart of Athens, and all of Greece. He rises above the city, standing on a huge cliff from limestone. The top platform is small - 300 by 130 meters.

At the top there is a majestic Parthenon, the temple of that goddess, in honor of which the capital of Greece is named. He is the main attraction of Acropolis. It can be seen almost everywhere within the city, and at present in Athens it is forbidden to build high-rise buildings in order not to overshadow this unique cultural monument.

Next to Parfenon, you can see the elegant Erechfeion - the temple of the three deities: Athena, Poseidon and Erehfe. Log in Athenian Acropolis was possible only through huge gates - propilenes.

Acropolis in ancient Greece

Acropolis translated from Greek means a high city. As already mentioned it stands on an impregnable rock, which, in turn, crosses the hill, elongated from the west to the east. Its surrounds the walls, especially they are high in those places where there is an opportunity to climb on the rock.

Propilenes (Elias Filis / Flickr.com)

In antiquity, Athenian Acropolis served as a sanctuary and at the same time asylum of natural origin, defending the Greeks from enemies.

In the 480s to our era, the "high city" was besieged by Persians under the leadership of the king of Kerks.

They could not climb on an impressive rock, but were able to penetrate the Athenian Acropolis from the north. There, apparently, the shrubs were thickets, the slope was not guarded, and it was assumed that no one would be able to climb. However, several Persians were able to get into the Acropolis and the first goal was opened.

The invaders made all the values \u200b\u200band destroyed many buildings, including even unfinished Parthenon. This event is evidenced by arrows discovered on the northern slope. When the Greeks returned to their abode after the battle of Salamine, they built a wall to protect the northern side and, of course, sought to restore their sanctuary.

Excavations showed that in the II century BC, there were still religious holidays, meetings of the authorities and lawsuits. And the entire social, cultural and religious life of Athens proceeded in the Acropolis. The oldest buildings of the Acropolis are preserved poorly, in contrast to Olympia and other cults of Greece.

The most ancient buildings of the Acropolis

From the buildings of the VI century, only the foundations have reached the present, because of the war Greeks with Persians. The buildings that were in a given period undoubtedly come to the temples of Apollo in Corinth, Gera in Olympia and Demeters in Pestum.

Architecture of their heavyweight and Surov. In the VI century BC, there was the most ancient temple Athens on the Acropolis, which was called. Having passed through the gates - propilenes, the man admired his beauty.

Antique masters sought to symmetry, which was present everywhere: in the layout, in the images. The fronton of hecatompedon depicted the fight of Hercules with Triton. And also here was the sculpture of a good attic creature, which had three torso and three heads and was called the tritopato.

It is depicted crazy from the corner of the fronton. The paint on it is preserved, the body was pink, and the hair and beard blue. It is noteworthy that one of the heads is kept in the museum and entered the story under the nickname "Blue beard". The low parts of the front of the ancient master filled with wriggling snake tails.

The relief of soft limestone depicting the Battle of Hercules and Hydra was also found here. The statues found here are widely known here. Someone claims that this is the sculptures of the goddesses, someone sees girls who bring the gifts to Athena. Clothes are beautiful and festive, complex hairstyles are richly decorated.

Athenian Acropolis during the rule of Romans

Many buildings arose when Greece became part of the Roman Empire, with Adrian. The temple of Zeus and the Acropolis in Athens shares the arch, this is the border between the old antique city and the buildings of the time of Rome.

View of the District of Slaby from the temple of Zeus Olympic, Acropolis, Athens, Greece (George Rex / Flickr.com)

On the side of the Acropolis, on the arch written: "This is the city of Tezay." This is due to the heroic legend. The elevation of the Athens over the rest of the Greek cities was happening after the state fell on the island of Crete.

This event has happened thanks to the Teze, who defeated Minotaurus. With the help of the ariadne thread, he was able to return, at the same time release and glorify the city.

On the other side there is an inscription: "This is the city of Adriana." That is, the city of the emperor, in which many buildings are built in Athens. The material served Pontic marble.

The construction was carried out in such a way that the whole complex of buildings looked harmoniously, and there was no sudden transition from the rest of the city to the sanctuary. Not far from him is located the theater of Dionysus, the area of \u200b\u200bthe market, the other sanctuary is the temple of Zeus and the temple of Hephasta.

Architectural ensemble of the Athenian Acropolis

The ruins that can be seen in the Acropolis are currently owned mainly by such majestic structures as propylene with the church of Nicky, Parfenon and Erechfeió.

Athenian Acropolis ensemble was truly beautiful in ancient times, if, for example, in Olympia, all temples are similar, then in the Acropolis, every building is unique.

Acropolis, Propilenes (Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr.com)

The first thing can be seen from the buildings of the Acropolis - the majestic gates with columns - propylene.

They were built after the creation of Parfenon. Initially, they should have been absolutely symmetrical.

But since, on the right side, the temple of Nicky was hurt, it was necessary to make this part of the gate of smaller sizes to achieve harmony.

The author of these majestic gates was the architect of the messenger. He skillfully combined in the construction of a severe Doric and sublime Ionian order. This structure was a gate with a roof, which relied on the columns, with 5 aisles.

On the left side used to be the picture gallery. On the right there was a small room. The gate is equipped with a lift that did not have steps in order to drive chariots.

Temple Aptehimiadis / Flickr.com)

The temple of nickname honestless (goddess of victory) Of course, inside had a statue of the goddess. The sculpture of Niki does not have wings here, so conceived specifically, since the Greeks wanted the victory to always stay here. The temple stands as if invites you to enter inside.

The inner space is small, the walls are made of non-polished marble. Outside, the temple decorates frieze, on which the gods and scenes of the battle.

The reliefs of this temple were discovered in 1835. They were supposed to be located under the columns of the temple. These are embossed images of the goddess Niki in various poses and scenes, but most often in the profile. On one she chalts the bull, on the other, he removes sandals before entering the temple.

Erehechyon (Casey and Sonja / Flickr.com)

Having passed through the gate, it was possible to see the statue of Athena, which challenged the southern portico of Erechfeira.

Choosing a place where it is built is associated with myth. This legend lasted the entire city. Athena and Poseidon argued who would become the patron saint of the city. Poseidon struck the trident and the source scored at this place. Athena also raised olive and local residents Chose it.

Erechfeion was created in a easier ionic order and significantly different from Parfenon. In that historical monument Two types of marble are combined - white and purple.

Portico Caryatid - South Portico Erechfeira. Here 6 Caryatid sculptures are resting to the roof, hold it. The principle of symmetry and harmony dominates here, half of the sculptures rests on the left leg, half on the right. Skully carved folds on the clothes of sculptures show a slight tension. Inside Erechfaion is difficult, it has many levels. The gods sanctuate are located here: Poseidon, Athens and Erehfhey.

The main temple of the Athenian Acropolis - Majestic Parthenon

Acropolis ensemble crosses eight-colone parfenon. In his greatst, he heads the list of ancient buildings. By appearance He is similar to the temple of Zeus in Olympia. But it stands on a specially aligned and dumping platform.

Parthenon, 1985 (Nathan Hughes Hamilton / Flickr.com)

With its construction, a simple archaic location of buildings, such as in Olympia and Delphi, was left in the century. A solemn procession took place in ancient times along it. It takes the greatness of man.

Of particular interest can cause the Methods of Parfenon, although they are poorly preserved. They depict the Gods ancient Greece, whose surplus completes the goddess Night Nights.

Also here are charged charges in a military campaign, the farewell of warriors, and the Trojan War. Southern Methods show a battle with mythical creatures - bentavra.

Fries Parthenon depicts a solemn procession on the third year of the Olympics. It is noteworthy that the Olympic Games received such a name because they were conducted initially in Olympia.

Here are horsemen, priests with rams and bulls, boys bearing vessels. On the other side, Fris depicts gods surrounded by the knowledgeable people of Greece.

How to get to the Acropolis?

Athenian Acropolis is the main attraction of Greece and, of course, the place of pilgrimage for tourists.

You can reach the acropolis to the subway. The nearest station is acropolis. In addition, it is possible to: Tissio, Saintagma Square, Monastiraki Square, Omonia Square.

Useful information for tourists

• The entrance to the entire archaeological zone costs 12 euros, except for the resurrection (this day can be passed free).
• On Monday and holidays, all museums and zones are closed. On the other days, visit is open from 8:00 o'clock to 19:00.
• The archaeological zone includes attractions such as Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Ceramico, ancient Agora, Theater of Dionysus.
• It is pre-familiar with the scheme on which these monuments of culture are indicated.

You can also visit the new Museum of Acropolis, where many sculptures found here are stored. The entrance to it is 5 euros, a visit is possible from 8:00 to 20:00 hours.

In ancient Greece, except Acropolis, you can visit such attractions as the temple of Zeus in Olympia and the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes.

When the Greeks rebelled against the Ottoman Empire, during one of the battles they managed to surround the Athenian Acropolis, in which Turks were staying. When the precipitated shells began to approach an end, they began to destroy the columns of Parfenon to do ammunition from their fastening parts. The Greeks could not be allowed, but because the enemies an ancient monument of architecture would be left alone, sent them a lead party.

There is an Acropolis in the capital of Greece, in Athens, on a rocky hill with a flat vertex at an altitude of 156 meters above y. The area occupied by it is about three hectares (300 meters in length, 170 - width). You can find a new Acropolis at: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens 117 42, and on geographic map. - Detect the following coordinates: 37 ° 58 '17.12 "p. sh., 23 ° 43 '34.2 "in. d.

Athenian Acropolis is a complex of structures, most of which were built in V Art. BC. The best architects of Eldlas. Initially, it was intended not so much for the defense of the city, but for holding pagan services. In its territory, a huge number of temples dedicated to Athena (the most famous Acropolis Parthenon), as well as Poseidon and Nika, were erected.

Actively build up the Acropolis in Athens began in VII-VI Art. BC. And one of the significant buildings of that time was hecatomped, the temple of the most revered goddess of ancient Greece, Athens. True, in the century, during the Greek-Persian war, most of the shrine of the Persians were destroyed, and rushing enemies from their territory, the Greeks began to build a new Acropolis.

The construction of construction work was entrusted to the well-known sculptor of that time, fidia (the author of one of the wonders of the world, the statue of Zeus in Olympia), which judging by the descriptions of contemporaries, and developed the plan of the architectural complex. And helped him to create a new Acropolis, the most famous architects of those times - Callicrat, Men Square, Iktin, Archirov, and others. Built by ancient masters, a new Acropolis in Greece speaks about a high level of architecture of ancient Ellini.

What does Acropolis look like

At the top of the rocks of the Acropolis, Athens could only be climbed from the west side on a zigzag road, on other sides she was impregnable. Below, at the foot, there were two theater - Dionysus, built by the Greeks, and Odeon Herod Attica, built by the Romans in II of Art. AD If you look at the map, you can see that the monuments of Acropolis in Greece have about fifteen buildings (together with theaters), plus the museum is open on its territory in a separate building.

Promakhos.

Interestingly, the first monument that the new Acropolis saw was not a building, but the statue of Athena-Promakhos, created by the FIDIA. The goddess was in the helmet, the right hand relied on a spear, in her left, she had a shield (helmet and sick of spears were made of gold). Made Prosakhos was from bronze, he had a height of about 7 meters and was established so that it was not only possible to be seen from anywhere in the city, but also from the sea - the golden helmet brushed in the sun and the sailors were seen from a long distance.

Propilenes (437 - 432 BC. E)

Athena-Promakhos was located opposite the parade entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. It was made by the architect membrane from the White Pentelian and Gray Elevskin Marble. Consist of propellands of the three parts: the central, in which there were six doric columns, and two wings adjacent to it. Interestingly, from two sides from the main passage, Ionian colons were established - apparently, such a principle of combining columns of two different types was used here for the first time.

Parthenon (447 - 438 BC. E.)

The Greeks are convinced that Acropolis and Parfenon are two inseparable concepts, because it is impossible to present them without each other. Parthenon was erected by Kallikrath and Itin from Pentelian marble on top of the rock and was dedicated to the patroness of the city of Goddess Athena.

Parthenon is a rectangular building of 30.8 x 69.5 m with columns located around the perimeter, about ten meters high: seventeen were installed from the South and Northern side of the sanctuary, eight - with Western and Eastern (there were also entries in the temple).

Parfenon was decorated with sculptural bas-reliefs from the life of the city: the procession to the Acropolis of chosen devs with a gift for the goddess (held every four years), about a hundred bas-reliefs with images of different battles. The eastern side of Parfenon told the legend about the birth of Athens, Western - about her dispute with the God of Seas, Poseidon, about who will be the patron of Athens.

The main hall of Parfenon was divided into three parts with two rows of columns. The depth of this architectural monument was located a twelvethimeter sculpture of Athens. In the right hand, the goddess was Nick, on the left side there was a spear. The face and arms of the statue were cut out of ivory, weapons and clothes are poured out of gold, gems shone in the eyes.

Unfortunately, in V Art. The sculpture was taken to Constantinople, where it burned during a fire.

The western entrance has a square room "Parthenon", in which the archive and treasury of the city sea union was located. Presumably, from this room and the name of the Greek Temple, meaning as "a house for girls," because it was here that the priestesses were made by Peplos (women's outer sleeveless clothing, a sewn of a lightweight material, which goddess was presented during a solemn procession.

Church of Athens Winner (449 - 421 BC.)

Located a small marble church (the size of its base is 5.4 x 8.14 m, the height of the columns is 4 m) in the south-west of the propellants, on a small ledge of the rock, which was previously reinforced by the retaining wall. The author of this original architectural monument was the author of Parfenon, Callicrat. The sanctuary surrounded the columns, while from the three sides the building was discouraged by the walls, while on the east side, where the entrance to the temple was located, the wall was absent, instead it was two posts.

Interestingly, another name of this small marble temple is Nick Aptereros, which means okayless. According to the legend, the wooden statue of the goddess of Victory, which was in this temple, did not have the wings: the Athenians categorically did not want it to leave the city.

Temple of Erehehethnion (421-407 BC.)

Erechtion is considered the latest monument to the Acropolis architecture, was devoted to two gods, Athens and Poseidon at once and received his name because of the ruler of the ruler of Yerehtei found on its territory.

There is a shrine behind the Promakhos and built it in the place where, according to Legend, Athena argued with Poseidon. According to the description of eyewitnesses, an olive tree grew near the temple and a trail left from the strike of Poseidon's staff. The story states that Oliva burned down when the ancient Acropolis set fire to the Persians, but after his release was revived.

Despite the fact that in size the temple is inferior to Parthenon (11.63 x 23.5 m), its architecture has a more complex plan.

Oriental portico of the building, back six ionic columns, north - four. The frieze shrine was made of marbled limestone, in which marble white sculptures were inserted. From the south side of Erehehteinone there is a portico, which instead of traditional columns pierced the statues of girls. Currently, all original sculptures are replaced with copies and are located in the Louvre, the Acropolis Museum and the British Museum.

Acropolis today

Unfortunately, the story did not spare at the Athenian Acropolis: from Parfenon, people first made the Church of Our Lady, then - the mosque, Erehechteyon became a harem of Turkish Pasha, the temple of the honestless nickname was dismantled and built a fortress wall from him, and during the war with Turkey in the XIX century. He significantly suffered from the shell released by Turks. The strongest earthquake in Greece in 1894 contributed to the destruction of the unique complex to the destruction of the unique complex.

As soon as the Greeks returned power over the city, they were restored to their attractions. After Greece proclaimed at the end of the XIX century. Independence, this issue took up more seriously, as a result of which they managed to achieve significant success, thanks to which visitors of the museum are currently able to not only see the new Acropolis, but also more clearly imagine how he looked in antiquity.

They eliminated all the late buildings of the Acropolis, rebuilt the temple of Niki, created copies of sculptures and replaced with them originals, taking them to storage in museums, one of which was placed at the foot of the rock. A new Athenian Museum of Acropolis was opened in 2009. Interestingly, he was the third in a row, since as a result of numerous archaeological excavations, the first two museums did not contain all the finds and were replaced with a larger building exceeding the area of \u200b\u200btheir predecessor tenfold.

In the far, who became legendary times when the Ahasey kings were erected by "strong-wing" palaces, folded from huge stone blocks, and their squads attacked the Crete and Coast of the Aegean Sea, in Attica, on the Acropolis - a rocky hill with a height of 156 m. Located in plain centers, The irrigated River Iress and his influx of Eridan, "the city of Kecropy, the future world famous Athens appeared ...
On the ruins of the Acropolis, it is best to look at the early summer in the morning or in the evening. At dawn, the first rays of the sun, gliding on the slopes of the Mountains of the Parnet and Egalue, are painted in the pinkish-purple color of the Salamin's cliffs, they run on the tops of the pantica and the aropague and delay the Acropolis for a long time. The evening sun is gold and flammifies Parthenon; Clear air gives living treated movements, and it seems that the ruins are as beautiful as once beautiful temples have been perfect. In the middle of the day, the Acropolis is covered with a bright light, lengthening the black shadow of the capitals and overlapping columns. At this hour the sun burns like molten metal, blind eyes. And in those rare in Athens, the days when the sky darkens, as before the storm, temples on the mountain become dull and gray, as the ashes of the spent centuries ...

According to the legend of Athens, he founded the legendary king kecrop. He was attributed to the establishment of a monogamous marriage, the foundation of 12 cities, the prohibition of human sacrifice and the establishment of the Cult of Zeus-Sturry, Zeus Olympic. With the name of another legendary king - Erichtononia (or Erechtea. Although there is a big confusion in identifying two of these names), the son of the god-blacksmith Hephetz and the goddess of the Gay Earth is due to the establishment of the goddess of Athens and renaming the kecropy in her honor, the beginning of the coinage, The introduction of contests on chariots. The descendant of Erichton was the king of Age, whose son. Teskey, killed Minotaurus and freed Athens from the hard given Dani Crete. Testa, who, after his return from Crete, the king of Athens, is considered the founder of Athenian democracy.
In the distant legendary times, we are led by legends about what arose.
... hail barbeck athens,
The area of \u200b\u200bthe king Erechtea, which in the ancient century Mother the land gave birth, brought up Athena Pallada.
And in Athens introduced, and in the brilliant temple of Rodvavoril. Homer. Oriada

Even in the II millennium BC. The territory of the Acropolis coincided with the initial territory of Athens and was charged with defensive walls. Especially powerful fortifications were arranged with a western, gentle side of the hill. Annneapilon was erected here - "Ninety", bastion with a nine goal. Behind the walls was ancient palace Athenian kings - "Palace of Erechtea". Later in this palace, the sanctuary of the goddess Athena appeared, and even later, all the construction of a secular nature found themselves other places, and the Acropolis turned into a focus religious life Ancient Athens. The name of the sacred rock was gained behind him - numerous sanctiors dedicated to the goddess of Athena were located here, the patroness of the city.
Athens, named after the daughter of Zeus Athens, served as the main center of the cult of this goddess. According to Greek mythology, Athena has been fully armed from Zeus's head. It was a favorite daughter of God-throat, who could not refuse anything. Alternatively, the virgin goddess of the sky, she together with Zeus sent thunder and lightning, but also - warmth and light. Athena is a goddess - warriper, reflecting the blows of enemies; Patrone of agriculture, national citizenship meetings; The embodiment of the pure mind, the highest wisdom; Goddess of science and art. Rising to the Hill of Acropolis, the ancient Ellin as if entered into the kingdom of this multi-cable goddess.

The creation of the majestic Acropolis ensemble is associated with the victory of the Greeks in Greco-Persian wars. Representatives of all Greek cities gathered in 449 BC, adopted a plan for building a sacred cliff proposed by Pericles. The grandiose architectural and artistic ensemble was to become a worthy monument of the Great Victory. The wealth of Athens and their dominant provision provided pericla wide opportunities in the construction of them. For decoration the famous city He screamed funds at his own discretion and temple treasures, and even in the common execution of the states of the Athenian Sea Union.
Whole mountains of snow-white marble extracted nearby were delivered to the foot of the Acropolis. The best Greek architects, bribes and painters were considered to work in the glory of the generally accepted capital of Hellenic art. In the construction of Acropolis, several architects participated. But, according to Plutarch, everyone ordered the fidium. In the whole ensemble, the unity of his plan and a single start, who imposed his stamp on the details of all the most important monuments.
The hill on which the monuments of the Acropolis was erected, is uneven in their outlines. Builders did not make a conflict with nature, but, by accepting it, what it is, created it with their own art by creating an ensemble, in its harmony more perfect than nature. Harmonious buildings of the Acropolis reign over the shapeless cliff's cliff, as if symbolizing the victory of the mind over the chaos. On uneven elevation, the ensemble is perceived gradually. Each monument lives in it its own lives, everyone is deeply individual, and its beauty opens a breath in parts, without a violation of unity of impression.

Over the steep slope of the sacred hill, the architect of the eraser has erected the famous white-walled buildings of gearboxes - a solemn entrance to the Acropolis, with doric portico-related doric portico, connected at different levels. Having amazing the imagination, the gloomy of the gloomy of the dies immediately introduced the visitor to the world of beauty, approved by the human genius. On the other side of the separable, the Giant Bronze Statue of Athena Prosakhos, Athenian-Warriors, waswilled by FIDIA grew up on the side of the acropolis. The fearless daughter Zeus personified the military power and glory of his city. From the foot of the statue, the extensive gave, and the navigaters, who had enveloped the southern tip of attic, clearly saw sparkling on the sun High helmet and a spear of the Goddess Warring.
Over the square climbed the columns of Parfenon, the Great Temple, at the Siege of which once stood another statue of Athena, too, washed with fid: Statue of Athena-Virgin, Athens Parfenos. Like the Olympic Zeus, it was a chryelenefactory statue, that is, made of gold and ivory. About 1,200 kg of precious metal went to her manufacture. Today, only evidence of the ancient authors, which has come down to this day a reduced copy, and the coins and medallions depicting Athens give us an idea of \u200b\u200bthis masterpiece.

The once blossomed white pentrelic marble columns of Parfenon over the past centuries were covered with a noble patina. Painted in brownish-golden tones, they reliefly stand out against the background of the blue sky. Parfenon was the temple of Athena Polyadyada (Gradualizers) and was usually called the "Temple" or "Big Temple".
Parthenon was built in 447-438. BC. Architects in Iktin and Kallikrath under the general guidance of Fidia. In agreement with the pericles, he wished to realize the idea of \u200b\u200btriumphant democracy in this most important monument. The project of the temple was carefully thought out. The book about the work of the Iktin and his assistant of the Katlicrata, unfortunately, is lost, but the very fact of its existence indicates a greater preliminary theoretical work. This largely explains the speed of the construction, which granted, according to Plutarch, with a miracle: the temple was built in just 9 years. The finishing works continued until 432 BC.
The top of the ancient architecture, Parfenon, already in antiquity, was recognized as the most remarkable Doric style monument. It is almost impossible to notice the naked eye that in his appearance ... there are practically no straight lines of the partfenone column (eight via facades and seventeen on the sides) are slightly inclined inside with a small convex of the curvature of the horizontal of the base and overlap. These barely crucible deviations from the canon are crucial. Without changing its basic laws, a serious Doric order acquires a relaxed grace here, which creates a powerful architectural image of impeccable clarity and purity.

Erechteyon - the second one by the monument of the Acropolis. In antiquity, he was the main temple dedicated to the goddess of Athena. And if Parfenon was assigned the role of a public temple, then Erechteyon is more like the temple of the priest. The main mysteries associated with the worship of the Athena were made here, the ancient statue of this goddess was kept here.
All the main shrines of Athens were concentrated in the walls of Erehechteion. The temple itself is built on the site of the legendary dispute of Athens and Poseidon for power over Athens. According to legend, the gods provided the right to solve this dispute to the elders of Athens. The judges were awarded to give victory from the gods, whose gift would be more valuable for the city. Poseidon struck the trident and the salty source scored from the acropolis. Athena hit the spear - and an olive tree rose on the Acropolis. This gift founded the Athenians more useful. Thus, Athena came out the winner in the dispute, and the olive tree became a symbol of the city.
In one of the halls of Erehechteion, it was possible to see a trail left by Poseidon's trident on a rock during his dispute with Athena. Since this shrine should always be under open skyIn the overlap of the portico, the holes were arranged, preserved until now. Nearby there was an entrance to the cave located under the temple, where the sacred snake of the goddess Athena, considered the personification of the legendary king and hero, the patron saint of Athens Erehtei (or Erichtononia - these two mythological heroes sometimes share, sometimes identified), by whose name the temple got its name.
Under the northern portico of the temple, Erechtea's grave was preserved, and in the western part - a well with salt water. It was considered to be the source that Poseidon created, and. According to legend, reported with the sea. Before Erehechteyon, since the time of deep antiquity grew the sacred olive, which grew up from the blow of the spear of the goddess Athens, and in the corner of the western facade of the temple there was a kecropione - the grave and the sanctuary of the legendary Kekrop, the first king of Attica. On him today, the world-famous portico of Caryatid is towers - the architectural symbol of Erehechtione. There is a suggestion that the protothes of Erehehteyon's Caryatid served as an arrefors - a miner of the cult of Athena, who emitted Athens from the best families. The manufacture of the Holy Peplos was included in their functions, in which annually dressed up an ancient statue of Athena, stored in Erech Tayonone.
The goddess of Athena performs on the Acropolis and in one of his hypostasis - Athens Niki, the goddess of Victory. The first sanctuary of Niki on the Acropolis was destroyed by Persians during the Greek-Persian wars. In 448 BC, on the occasion of the world who completed the war with Persians. It was decided to build on the Acropolis of the New Temple of Athens Niki, or, as it was also called, the temple "Outless Victory": Although the goddess of Victory Nick has always been portrayed by the winned, Athena could not have a winner, and he should not have wings.
The Nicknames standing near the propellant and the temple of Athens mutually complemented each other. Their architectural communication has created a unique entry ensemble on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis. The temple built architect Kallicrat in 427-424. BC. This elegant small structure, built of marble, has a size of 5.6 × 8.3 m. Before the temple of Athens, Nicky stood an open-air altar, designed for sacrifices.
In the time of Turkish rule, the church of Niki was disassembled and used to build fortifications. In the 1830s, after gaining independence by Greece, Turkish strengthening was neatly disassembled, and the church of Niki lay down again. In 1935-1940 He was reconstructed again, and now he appears in all its glory - of course, with amendment to the all-time effect of time. And it is known, inexorably, and today the monuments of Acropolis, who survived war, restructuring and human vandalism are subjected to technogenic hazards: already several decades, acid rains and poisonous could eat white marble of ancient temples. There are many plans to save the acropolis, but so far none of them are implemented, so restorers are likely to stay without work for a long time.

- This is the heart and main tourist attraction of Athens and Greece. Well prominent on all sides (in the construction of construction
high-rise buildings not to close the view on Acropolis) It serves as an excellent guide for movement around the city.

Annually Acropolis Athens. Attend millions of tourists and travelers from all over the planet.

Acropolis From ancient Greek language translates as a fortified place in the city.
Acropolis is an ancient settlement of Athens. Already during the time of the archaic period, the majestic temples and sculptures were located here, which the late generations of Greeks considered the heritage of cyclops. IN Mycken period (15 -13 V to N.EE) Acropolis He was a royal residence.

It was here that there was a residence of the legendary Teane. (The winner of the Minotaur), if, of course, his personality was not mythical.

During the Greek-Persian Wars Acropolis It was completely destroyed by Persians. Residents of Athens gave an oath to restore shrines only after the victory over the Persians and the expulsion of enemies from Ellala. In 447 BC under the guidance of a famous sculptor on Acropolis New construction began. , Nicky Temple, Erehechteion are those masterpieces that we enjoy to this day.

Gate Bul

These gates are named after French architect Ernest Bulevewhich in 1825 produced the excavation excavations. This is one of the two gates of the Acropolis, which were made in the fortress walls after a raider of Georulov in 267.

Sanctuary Aphrodite Pandempos

Right from the gate of the Bul the ruins of the Temple Aphrodite. At the present time, only architect decorated with garlands and pigeons remained from the temple.

The sanctuary of Artemis Baverronie

This temple was in eastern Acropolis, not far from the ruins of the Mycena Walls. The temple was a Dorian colonnade with two wings in the form "P". The creation of the temple is attributed to the Piscistratus, which came from the area of \u200b\u200bBravrony,
Where cult Artemis It was widespread. In the side wings of the colonnade of the temple, two statues of the goddess: The first is an ancient wooden statue depicting the goddess sitting on the throne, and the second that was creation sculptor Prapkitel.

Halcoteca

Eastern temple Artemis was Halcoteca, the building that was used to store metal objects belonging to the cult goddess Athena. The building was built in the middle of 5th century BC, and in the Roman period the building was reconstructed.

On the southern slope of the Acropolis There is the most ancient of famous theaters - theater of Dionysus (god winemaking). According to the legend, the inhabitants of Athens killed Dionysus, when he arrived in the attic and first gave the Wine to try, thinking that Dionysis was trying to poison them. Then they got dragged and became very violently celebrating Dionusia - the festivities in
Honor of the same killed God. In the end, it all led to the creation of the theater. It was in this theater that masterpieces were shown for the first time. Eschil, Sofokla, Eurypid and Aristophan.

In the 6th century BC. Rule in Athens tyrant Piscistrati Cult Dionysus in Athens and organized the Great Dionissions, which were held during March - April. At about the same time in Athens Appeared poet Fespid, leaving from Demos Ikaria. He introduced in Dionysius of the first actor and he himself began to write texts that should
There was an actor and participants of the choir. Before Fespid, these texts were a pure improvisation of chorists. Fespid also began to devote texts not only from life events DionysusBut also other heroes of Greek mythology and real historical characters. Acting masks were also invented and introduced, since the same
The actor had to play many roles.

In the 4th century BC, during the reign Likurga, Wooden spectator ranks were replaced by stone and have not changed since then. The scene of the theater was restructuring many times.

In the theater 78 spectator series, which are divided into two zones. Passage is at the same time part of the peripata - the tracks that surrounds the sacred rock Acropolis.

The front marble spectators, 67 seats, were intended in antiquity for rulers, archons and priests. In the center of the front rows there is a throne of the main priests of the Temple of Dionisa Elephteria.

Roman Twice changed the theater. Once during the reign of Emperor Nero, in the 1st century of our era and the other time during the reign of Fedra, in the 3rd century of our era.

Friezes, which can be seen today on the theater's advancement, depicts plots from the myths about Dionesis. The first frieze depicts the birth of God: Sitting Zeus, and in front of him Hermes With the infant Dionis in his arms, a combat dance with a weapon in his hands is dancing along the edges of the chicken. Then depicted Icarsacrificing Dionysus Goat, and
On the right is shown only by Dionysus with its other satire.

Temple Augustus

Not far from the eastern entrance to Parfenon was temple Roma I.August. The temple was built in 27 BC. Then, when Octavian received the title of August. It was a small round temple with a diameter of 8.50 meters and 9 ionic columns. At the foot of the columns existed an inscription, which stated that the temple was devoted to Roma and
August from grateful Athenian.

Sanctuary of Zeus polyurea

In the north-east of Parfenon are located the ruins of the temple of Zeus. It consisted of a quadrangular fence, inside which was a separate fenced area with a small temple and darling hall. In the temple in honor Zeus The ritual of Diipolia was carried out.

At the entrance to B. Acropolis The theater of Herod Attica is also located. Tiberius Claudius Herod Attica was one of the richest Athenian citizens, as well as the Roman governor in Asia Province. Among other things, he was a famous philosopher and was a teacher Mark Aurelia.

In 161, N.E. In memory of his wife, he built Odeon. (theater) in
Athens. This is a perfectly preserved sample of Roman architecture in Athens.
The theater had a 35.4 meters scene built in two floors and was
Eliminated by white and black marble plates from caristanomine.
Theater capacity was up to 5,000 people. The roof of the theater was made of a cedar tree.

Theater's premises were rebuilt again and today in the theater is held Athenian festivalwhere the world's best theaters of the world are presenting to the viewers of the audience.

Copper statue of Athena

On the territory of the Acropolis there were many gifts and offering from various cities and ordinary residents. Especially valuable was a statueAthens. The statue was established between Erehechteion and propylene and was 9 meters high. According to PAsania, a spear tip of the statue and brilliance of her helmet were visible to ships that came from Cape Sunion in Piraeus.

Odeon Pericla

Eastern Dionysis Theater was famous Odeon Periclabuilt in 447 BC. And intended for musical competitions. Odeon was destroyed during the storming acropolis by Legions of Sulla in 86 BC. And he was restored by the king of Kapadokia Arobarzan second. Finally theater Pericla was destroyed by gerlasses in 267 BC.

Between the theater of Dionysis and Odeon, Herod Attika is a colonnade
Eusinia Second (Tsar Pergamum), which was built in the 2nd century BC As a gift, Athenians. The colonnade had a roof in antiquity and was used by residents as a promenade for walking.

In the 5th century, with the arrival of Christianity, became the church of Our Lady. After the conquest of Greece by the Turks, the temple was turned into a mosque, and then in Arsenal. It was disassembled.

In 1687, the explosion destroyed almost the entire central part during the nucleus from the venetian ship, and in addition, with an unsuccessful attempt of Venetians, to remove the sculptures of Parfenon, several statues were broken.

In the 19th century, friezes and the remaining statues of Parfenon were taken to England, where they can be observed in British Museum.

Museum of Acropolis

Museum Acropolis was opened in 1878. Initially, the museum building was located in a small place at right behind Parfenon.

The collection of the museum consists of exhibits that were found during archaeological excavations Acropolis.

His treasures include the preserved parts of the friezes of Parfenon as well as the sculptures of the Greek masters of the 5th century BC.

Museum exhibits Exhibited in chronological order. These are frontal sculptures of temples Acropolis With the pictures of the battle of giants with giants, the scene of the fight of Hercules with various mythical creatures, as well as the sculpture of the Moshoforos, or the young man carrier on the shoulders of the calf (570 years BC)

Among the exhibits of the museum is a well-preserved method from the southern facade of Parfenon, depicting the battle of lapiphs with bentavra. Pearls of the museum are originals of Caryatid From the southern portica of Erehechteion. Statues are stored indoors with a special temperature regime.

Memo to tourist

Acropolis Open daily from 8 am and until 6:30 pm.

The time of operation of the acropolis can change slightly depending on
Season. On the Acropolis It is forbidden to carry any bags (they can be left at the entrance to the Acropolis)

The entrance ticket costs 12 euros, but on this ticket can also be visited Agora and temple of Zeus.

Acropolis on the map of Athens