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The Parthenon: Athens' Enduring Symbol

Explore the Parthenon, an enduring symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian democracy, standing proudly atop the Acropolis of Athens.

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The Parthenon, a majestic marble temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, stands atop the Acropolis in Athens. Constructed between 447 and 432 B.C., it remains a powerful symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian culture, despite enduring centuries of war, explosions, and looting.

A brief summary to Parthenon

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the Acropolis involves a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade on the Acropolis.
  • Consider visiting the Acropolis Museum to see artifacts from the Acropolis and learn more about its history.
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Getting There

  • Metro

    The easiest way to reach the Parthenon is by taking the Athens Metro. Take Line 2 (Red Line) to the 'Acropoli' station. From the Acropoli station, the southeast entrance to the Acropolis is just a 2-3 minute walk. Single metro tickets cost €1.20 and are valid for 90 minutes.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines service the Acropolis area. Bus routes 230, 035, 040, 550, and A2 stop at Makrygianni Station, which is a 5-minute walk to the Acropolis. From Syntagma Square, bus number 230 will take you to the Akropole bus stop near the main entrance of the Acropolis. Single bus tickets cost €1.20.

  • Walking

    From Syntagma Square, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the Acropolis. Head south towards the Plaka district and follow the signs. The walk is mostly uphill and provides scenic views of the city. Be aware that the sidewalks can be uneven.

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Discover more about Parthenon

The Parthenon, an iconic symbol of ancient Greece, dominates the Acropolis of Athens. This resplendent marble temple was built between 447 and 432 B.C., during the height of the Athenian Empire, and dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the city's patron goddess. The celebrated Greek statesman Pericles commissioned the Parthenon as part of a larger building project intended to showcase Athens' power and wealth. Architects Ictinos and Callicrates designed the temple, while the sculptor Phidias oversaw the sculptural decoration. The Parthenon is considered the pinnacle of Doric architecture, known for its harmonic proportions, precise construction, and exquisite sculptures. The temple housed a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena sculpted by Phidias. Throughout its history, the Parthenon has served various purposes, including a treasury and a religious center. In later centuries, it was transformed into a Christian church, a Roman Catholic cathedral, and a mosque. In 1687, during the Morean War, a Venetian bomb struck the Parthenon, which the Ottomans were using as a munitions dump, causing a devastating explosion. The resulting damage significantly altered the structure. In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin controversially removed many of the surviving sculptures, now known as the Elgin Marbles, which are currently housed in the British Museum. Today, the Parthenon stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Greece, attracting visitors from around the world. Ongoing restoration projects aim to preserve its structural integrity and remaining artifacts. Visitors can explore the Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon's grandeur, while the nearby Acropolis Museum displays many of the artifacts found on the site.

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