The Propylaea

The Propylaea (Propylea or Propylaia) is the first structure you would reach when you climb up to the Acropolis. A propylaea is the gateway that served as an entrance to the Acropolis of Athens.
Here's what's on the sign says on the first image:

Much of the superstructure of the central building of the Proplylaia was restored between 1909 and 1917. Soon afterwards problems due to oxidation were observed. The breakage of the marble demanded a new project of conservation and restoration. The project provided for dismantling of restored parts of the building's ceilings. The combined study of the architectural members that were dismantled together with scattered fragments yielded new identifications, which increased the number of architectural members to be incorporated in the monument.

In 2002, the implementation of the new proposal for the restoration of the Propylaia ceilings began. The suggested solution makes the most of current research and expands the restoration in the area above the central passageway.
This spot is a favorite for souvenir shots, although I thought I was more focused on getting some shots for my blog that I don't have any shots here. Tsk, tsk, tsk!
If you turn your back on the Propylaia, this is your view. You see the expanse of Athens' roofs. It was a bit hazy in the distance.
There are a lot of signs like this. You have to be careful to follow them, otherwise the Acropolis employees who tote around a whistle will sound that whistle getting all the attention of everyone. It's quite embarrassing to be subjected to the whistle.
But of course I did touch the marble (grinning sheepishly). In my defense, I did it way before I saw the sign. This is the gateway on the way back down. It would be wonderful to be given another chance to visit Acropolis when all the restorations are completed.

To be continued......

Comments

  1. PC, thanks for asking, I am very well. Will try to return to blogging daily but am now very busy with my commitments. Love the above photos. Great scenery.

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  2. amazing...i love walking through history. more pics please.

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  3. Still waiting for the day I get to visit this part of the world and see these awesome structures with my own eyes. :D

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  4. Restorations must be taking years to finish. I've seen photos of the Acropolis already with scaffolding some time ago.

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  5. Wow! That's a very nice place to visit....

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  6. I can't see the comments. It says there's five in here :(

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  7. Maria, these are wonderful views of a fantastic place. Thanks for sharing.
    About your question, I happened to meet those two nice doves near a church of a little country village: it was for me a pleasant "adventure" :-)

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  8. Wow. Awesome!
    Thank you for sharing.

    Have a lovely week.

    Regards.

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  9. I just find it absolutely amazing that all these structures survived through the ages. Fantastic photos!

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  10. i love the structure! so picturesque!

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  11. What an amazing view from that place!

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  12. This reminded much of the movie My Life in Ruins. Made me think that when I visit such structure, it would talk to me through the wind. Heehee.

    PS. Your header is so nice. Gave me a cheerful feel!

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  13. I got a bit emotional seeing your photos, especially that of below, Acropolis. (Yaay, im crying...)

    Beautiful place, i hope to see it soon!

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  14. i will be waiting for more! somehow the posts reminds me of clash of the titans! :D and btw, i love the tulips above (spring!)

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  15. i smiled when i read that you've already touched the marble before you saw the sign! haha.
    for now, i'll dream that one day i'll get to bring my family that part of the globe.

    btw, i also like your header now. saw many tulips too recently when i was in tokyo for 2 weeks.

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  16. You really saw everything in Europe ! WOW!

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  17. First of all, Maria, I love the tulip banner at the top of your page :D I need to come up with my own banner, I think.

    Secondly, I do hope I can visit this place once in my life. If I had still been with Donica, I would have seen it last year. (sigh) But, that was then, this is now. I love the whistle idea. Can you imagine that in the Sistine Chapel (where you're not supposed to take pictures).

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  18. Beautiful historic place. It's good that restoration efforts ensure its existence.

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  19. I would consider myself very lucky to be able to travel to this place! One of the most essential destinations in the world! And even if I do not, then I got second best..by this virtual tour of yours!
    Thanks for sharing, Maria!

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  20. Looks like you had lovely weather. There is a lot of restoration going on. I think it's always that way. I was there about 7 years ago (time flies) and there were lots of projects going on then, too. All that scaffolding kind of gets in the way of photography doesn't it...LOL!

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  21. What a wonderful place to visit! Thanks for sharing.

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