The Erechtheum
The most sacred temple of the Acropolis in ancient Athens was the Erechtheum - a temple dedicated not to particular god but to the whole galaxy of gods and heroes and served as a residence and a burial place of ancient kings.
Temple was built over the spot were the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the right of patronage over Athens took the place. Poseidon gave a source of water to the Athenians and Athena olive. The Athenians considered that a gift from Athena is more valuable and choose Athena as the main god of the city.
The temple is named in honor of one of the first kings of Athens - Erehteya who for the sake of Athens sacrificed his daughter to the gods. He was buried under the Erechtheum.
In Erechtheum also was buried mythical king Kekrop who was the former founder of the city of Athens.
Erechtheum as the other Acropolis buildings was conceived during a grand building started by Pericles.
However because of the Peloponnesian War construction began only in 421 BC after Nicea Peace treatment. Then it was suspended and resumed in 406 BC by architect Filoklom.
The pearl of the temple is the so-called The Porch of the Caryatids. Caryatids - statues of six girls dancing ritual dance in honor of the goddess Artemis. The temple was badly damaged in 1827 when it was destroyed during the fighting Greeks for independence.
[info from a website whose name I failed to take down, sorry]
The back view with 1/2 of the couple we shared the cab and toured the Acropolis with.
The front side
The Caryatids - I could only count 5 or did I mistakenly cropped this shot.
Stairs on the side leads to the right side of the structure. The guy on the top is the other half of the couple we toured the place with and the guy in shorts is my husband .
Sideview from top of the stairs.
I was fascinated by this door.
Temple was built over the spot were the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the right of patronage over Athens took the place. Poseidon gave a source of water to the Athenians and Athena olive. The Athenians considered that a gift from Athena is more valuable and choose Athena as the main god of the city.
The temple is named in honor of one of the first kings of Athens - Erehteya who for the sake of Athens sacrificed his daughter to the gods. He was buried under the Erechtheum.
In Erechtheum also was buried mythical king Kekrop who was the former founder of the city of Athens.
Erechtheum as the other Acropolis buildings was conceived during a grand building started by Pericles.
However because of the Peloponnesian War construction began only in 421 BC after Nicea Peace treatment. Then it was suspended and resumed in 406 BC by architect Filoklom.
The pearl of the temple is the so-called The Porch of the Caryatids. Caryatids - statues of six girls dancing ritual dance in honor of the goddess Artemis. The temple was badly damaged in 1827 when it was destroyed during the fighting Greeks for independence.
[info from a website whose name I failed to take down, sorry]
The back view with 1/2 of the couple we shared the cab and toured the Acropolis with.
The front side
The Caryatids - I could only count 5 or did I mistakenly cropped this shot.
Stairs on the side leads to the right side of the structure. The guy on the top is the other half of the couple we toured the place with and the guy in shorts is my husband .
Sideview from top of the stairs.
I was fascinated by this door.
parang everything in athens has the same archi no? very historic and soo picturesque! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are making this place come alive to me, Maria. I love it.
ReplyDeleteancient and still standing...amazing!
ReplyDeletefascinating! the ancient Greek civilization is absolutely fascinating. you took fabulous photos! thanks for sharing, parang nakapunta na rin ako.:p
ReplyDeletefantastic shots,
ReplyDeletei love the caryatids highlighted on the 2nd foto, the doors and the windows, like i was really there viewing the whole thing. ^-^
Impressive! Whichever way you take these structures, however you photograph it, always has a different story to tell....really itches me to go there....real soon!!! Thanks thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The German bible is a good way to practice the language! ;) (I learn two ways!)
a terrific set of shots here!!
ReplyDeleteOh, what fun! You are reminding me of the course I took long ago in Greek Art. How cool to see the statues (caryatids) up close.
ReplyDeleteClassical door and windows! I can just picture them! :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting info... looks like you had a great time touring those structures!
ReplyDeletePogi ang husband mo ! :-)
Very lovely architectural pieces. Must be a great place for photography.
ReplyDeletesimply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots! I am envious about your trip to Athens....hope I can visit the place someday. Sigh** kelan kaya? Andakels please hehehe.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen such great photos of the Acropolis before. It felt as if I was actually there. Thanks for sharing this, I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteIt's the Caryatids that I find fascinating - for a change, this supports the roof instead of Ionic or Doric columns we commonly see.
ReplyDeletegorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! i've just learnt the stories of the Greek mythology when i read percy jackson books, though it was purely fiction at least it remained true to some of its content most especially history i guess :D
ReplyDeleteamazing place to visit :) i like how you referred to 1/2 of the couple...lol.
ReplyDeleteAmazing views of the Erechtheum temple! What a beautiful structure and place! Those Caryatids are so charming, I like the door and the windows as well.
ReplyDeleteAbout my post, tha's right, those cannons are snow makers.
Great shots of this classical ediface! Looks like you had a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteGreece will always be lovely (whatever happens to their economy)!
ReplyDeleteI visited this place in the late 80's, some 20 years ago. It still looks awesome !
ReplyDeleteThe Caryatids - I took a look at my picture first, taken from another angle. In your picture there is some screening behind the ladies. The 6th Caryatid is behind the screen to the right in your picture. It was nice looking at my own pics after seeing yours again.
ReplyDeleteI am completely wow'd! For just a moment, did you imagine yourself walking around with a toga on? :-)
ReplyDelete@2sweetnsaxy: I did and with two people walking behind me with those ridiculously gigantic fans.
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