Erechtheion, Ancient Greek temple on Acropolis, Athens, Greece
The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple in Ionic style made of Pentelic marble that stands on the Acropolis of Athens. Its southern porch is supported by six female figures serving as columns, crafted with delicate detail.
Construction began in 421 BC during the Peloponnesian War and lasted about 15 years under architect Mnesikles. The structure replaced an older temple destroyed during the Persian invasion.
The temple takes its name from mythical King Erechtheus, who was worshipped here and whose connection to the city runs deep in Athenian legend. Visitors today see the famous caryatids, female columns that stand as symbols of feminine grace in architecture.
Access is included with the main Acropolis ticket, which covers all monuments on the hill. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and can be slippery when wet.
The floor plan deviates from classical symmetry because the building was constructed on different ground levels and unites multiple sacred sites under one roof. The original caryatids are now in the Acropolis Museum, while copies stand on the temple.
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