Parthenon
Attikí
The Parthenon is a former temple located on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city's patron. Constructed between 447 and 438 BC during the height of the Delian League's power, it stands as a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture and sculpture. Designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates and adorned by the sculptor Phidias, the temple features a double Doric colonnade with 8 columns on the short sides and 17 on the long sides. The Parthenon originally housed a massive chryselephantine statue of Athena Parthenos. Over centuries, it served various roles: a treasury, a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 6th century AD, and later a mosque during Ottoman rule. The temple suffered severe damage during a 1687 explosion in the Morean War. Many original sculptures were controversially removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, now known as the Elgin Marbles. Extensive restoration efforts have been ongoing since 1975 to preserve this symbol of ancient Greek civilization, democracy, and Western culture.
Plan your trip to Greece with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy softer light for photography. Purchase tickets in advance to skip lines. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Check opening hours ahead as they may vary seasonally.
Interesting facts
- •The Parthenon's decorative sculptures are considered among the highest achievements of classical Greek art.
- •The name 'Parthenon' derives from the Greek word for 'virgin', referring to Athena Parthenos, the virgin goddess.
- •The temple was originally called 'Hekatompedon' meaning 'hundred-footer' due to its size and proportions.
- •The Parthenon housed a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena crafted by Phidias, now lost.
- •Lord Elgin's removal of sculptures in the early 1800s sparked ongoing debates about cultural heritage and repatriation.
- •The Parthenon combines traditional Doric architecture with innovative design elements, such as subtle optical corrections to columns.
History
The Parthenon was built between 447 and 438 BC under the leadership of Pericles, replacing earlier temples destroyed during Persian invasions.
It was constructed as a symbol of Athenian power and victory in the Greco-Persian Wars and served as the treasury of the Delian League.
In the 6th century AD, it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Following the Ottoman conquest, it became a mosque.
During the 1687 siege of the Acropolis, a Venetian bombardment ignited Ottoman munitions stored inside, causing extensive damage.
In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin removed many sculptures, which remain controversial.
Since the 1970s, major restoration projects have aimed to stabilize and conserve the structure.
Place Guide
Main Temple Structure447-438 BC
The Parthenon is a double Doric peripteral temple featuring 8 columns on the short sides and 17 on the long sides. It includes a main naos (cella) housing the statue of Athena and a rear chamber. The architecture incorporates subtle refinements like column entasis and curvature to appear perfectly straight.
Sculptural Decorations438-432 BC
Phidias oversaw the sculptural program, including the famous frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession, metopes showing mythological battles, and pediments illustrating key myths related to Athena. The original chryselephantine statue of Athena Parthenos stood inside the temple.
Contact
Phone: 21 0321 4172
