The rock of Acropolis and the ruins of the Parthenon rising majestically above it is one of the most important icons of western civilization, attracting millions of tourists from all corners of the globe every year. Its iconic status today remains the same as when it was built 2,000 years ago...a symbol of the emergence of democracy and civilization. Catching glimpses of these ancient ruins from the city below leaves you with both a sense of utter wonderment and also utter familiarity. One of the best views from street level is along Aeolou street where the Parthenon becomes the focal point on the horizon. Alternatively, take in its beauty from the higher vantage point of the nearby hills and pine groves of Lykavitos, Ardhittos and Filopappou hills. THE PARTHENON The Parthenon is the structure that dominates the rock of Acropolis. It was built during the Golden Age of Athens under the rule of Perecles. Its architect, Iktinos, used the Doric architectural style and the achieved an extraordinary and unequalled harmony. The mathematical principles of the Parthenon are still taught today as an exemplar of perfection in all architectural schools. Iktinos used curvatures to correct the optical illusions that the imperfect eyesight of the human eye sees. Not a straight line exists in the entire structure with the sophisticated system of curvatures giving a sense of life as well as beauty. It is this which makes the Parthenon one of the architectural wonders of the world. During its glory, housed inside the Parthenon was the massive statue of Athena made of gold and ivory as a dedication to the patroness and goddess of the city of Athens . This statue was considered on of the seven wonders of the world. The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to this goddess and, although her statue no longer exists her temple remains. THE ERECHTHEION This building is to the north of the Parthenon and was a sanctuary built to house ancient shrines ..... *** Local Caption *** connected with the mythology of the city's origin. This temple was the last of the great works of Perecles. It is a splendid Ionic temple of white marble distinguished by the Caryatids, 6 statues of maidens who offer their services as columns to support the southern portico. What can be seen today are replicas of the originals, 5 of which are exhibited a few metres away in the Acropolis museum. The 6th maiden was looted along with the famous Parthenon marbles by Lord Elgin In the C19th and can be seen in the British Museum in London.Here was worshipped both Athena and the city's old patrons, Poseidon and Erechtheus. According to Greek mythology, Poseidon and Athena compete to become protectors and deities of the city. They challenge each other and the prize for the winner was the city of Athens. It is here, on this site, according to the myth, an olive tree sprung from the ground at the touch of Athena's spear. Whilst Poseidon summoned forth a seawater spring. Consequently, the olive tree won over the seawater spring! THE PROPYLAIA This is the magnificent entrance hall on the west side of the Acropolis, leading to the shrines of the sacred precinct. It was built by Mnesikles on completion of the Parthenon in 437 BC. Their axes and proportions align to balance the temple of Parthenon. Originally roofed and possessing 5 gates, the Propylaea has been fairly well preserved. Towering and massive, its walls and Doric columns of white marble cause the visitor to feel very small indeed, impressing the visitor that he or she is entering a holy place. THE TEMPLE OF ATHENA NIKE On the right as one begins to enter the Propylaea, on a terrace in the southwest corner of the Acropolis, is the small, exquisite Ionic temple of Athena Nike and overlooks the Port of Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf. HOW TO GET THERE The main approach is the path that extends above Odhos Dioskouron, joining Theorias at the north-west corner of .....