The Parthenon: A Majestic Ode to Ancient Greek Excellence

The temple of Parthenon is located atop the hill of the Acropolis, and is a beautiful sight to witness. It was built in the mid-5th century B.C. in dedication of the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos. The temple was part of the greater initiative of Pericles who wanted to build temples at the older site of temples dedicated to Athena on the hill of Acropolis Of Athens. The Parthenon was built at the site of an older temple which was destroyed by Persians in 480 B.C. It is a standing monument of the simple Doric architectural style prevalent in Greece in the mid-5th century BC. The architects Ictinus and Callicrates had designed the layout of the temple while its decoration was done under the supervision of Phidias. Phidias had sculpted a beautiful statue of Athena made of gold and ivory which was installed inside the temple. The temple has a large hall covered with 8 columns in west and east direction and 17 columns on the north and south side, and is definitely a must visit.

Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens Skip-the-line Tickets

Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens Skip-the-line Tickets
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Highlights
  • Explore Acropolis, which translates as "High City," is a fortified castle perched atop a rocky, limestone hill

  • Visit the temple dedicated to the Goddess of War, Athena- Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, constructed in 5th BCE

  • Witness several ancient archaeological wonders of Athens including Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Kerameikos, and Olympieion

  • Traverse the landscapes of the ancient Greek Theatre of Athens called the Theatre of Dionysus

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Must Know Before You Go
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • Parthenon & Acropolis of Athens Skip The Line: Adult tickets are applicable for individuals aged 19-64 years.
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Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens Skip-the-line Tickets (Pre Book Only)
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Highlights
  • Explore Acropolis, which translates as "High City," is a fortified castle perched atop a rocky, limestone hill

  • Visit the temple dedicated to the Goddess of War, Athena- Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, constructed in 5th BCE

  • Witness several ancient archaeological wonders of Athens including Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Kerameikos, and Olympieion

  • Traverse the landscapes of the ancient Greek Theatre of Athens called the Theatre of Dionysus

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • Parthenon & Acropolis of Athens Skip The Line: Adult tickets are applicable for individuals aged 19-64 years.
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Parthenon, Acropolis & Archaeological Sites: Combo Ticket
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Highlights
  • Explore Acropolis, which translates as "High City," is a fortified castle perched atop a rocky, limestone hill

  • Visit the temple dedicated to the Goddess of War, Athena- Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, constructed in 5th BCE

  • Witness several ancient archaeological wonders of Athens including Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Kerameikos, and Olympieion

  • Traverse the landscapes of the ancient Greek Theatre of Athens called the Theatre of Dionysus

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • Parthenon & Acropolis of Athens Skip The Line: Adult tickets are applicable for individuals aged 19-64 years.
Scroll down to read more

History Of The Parthenon Athens

History Of Parthenon
  • The Parthenon is an ancient Greek temple located on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
  • It was built between 447 and 438 BC during the Golden Age of Athens, under the leadership of the statesman Pericles.
  • The temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron deity of Athens.
  • The Parthenon is considered one of the most iconic examples of classical Greek architecture.
  • It was designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with the sculptor Phidias overseeing the artistic elements.
  • The temple is a Doric-style building with a rectangular floor plan and a peristyle of columns surrounding it.
  • The Parthenon originally housed a massive statue of Athena Parthenos made of gold and ivory, which was created by Phidias.


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Design and Structure of the Parthenon

Columns and Frieze
Columns and Frieze
  • The temple has a total of eight columns on the shorter sides (front and back) and 17 columns on the longer sides (sides).
  • These columns are of the Doric order, characterized by their simple, fluted design and lack of bases.
  • The columns taper slightly as they rise, which helps create an optical illusion of straight lines.
  • The entablature, the horizontal structure resting on the columns, includes a frieze adorned with intricate relief sculptures depicting various scenes from Greek mythology and civic life.


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Pediments Of Parthenon
Pediments
  • The Parthenon features triangular pediments at both the front and back of the temple. These pediments once housed sculptures depicting mythological narratives.
  • The eastern pediment depicted the birth of Athena from the head of her father, Zeus.
  • The western pediment depicted the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of Athens.


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Metopes Of Parthenon
Metopes
  • The metopes of the Parthenon are a series of rectangular marble panels.
  • There are 92 metopes in total, divided into four sides of the temple.
  • These metopes are known for their intricate relief sculptures.
  • Each side of the temple's frieze depicts a different mythological or historical narrative.
  • The east metopes feature the Gigantomachy, a battle between gods and giants.
  • The south metopes depict the Centauromachy, a conflict between centaurs and Lapiths.


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Interior Of Parthenon
Interior Of Parthenon
  • The interior of the Parthenon was divided into two main chambers: the eastern and western cellae.
  • The eastern cella housed the renowned chryselephantine statue of Athena Parthenos, the temple's namesake and patron deity of Athens. The statue was approximately 38 feet tall and made of gold and ivory.
  • The western cella served as a treasury, where valuable offerings and dedications to the goddess were stored.
  • The eastern cella was adorned with decorative elements, including painted decorations and possibly additional sculptures.


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Know Before You Go To Parthenon Athens

Essential Information
How To Reach
Best Time To Visit
Essential Information Of Parthenon

Location- Dionysiou Areopagitou 15 Athina 117 42 Greece


Timing-


During winters (1 Nov - 31 Mar)

1. 9AM to 5 PM- Monday to Thursday,

2. 9 AM to 8 PM- Saturday, Sunday and

3. 9 AM to 10 PM - Friday


While In the summer season (1 Apr - 31 Oct)

1. 8 AM to 4 PM- Monday

2. 8 AM to 8 PM- Tuesday to Sunday

3. 8 AM to 10 PM- Friday


Must Read - Site Monuments At Acropolis Of Athens

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FAQs Of The Parthenon

What is the Parthenon?

    The Parthenon is a former temple located on the hill of the Acropolis at Athens and was built in the mid-5th century B.C. It was dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena the Virgin. The architecture of the temple is the simple Doric style, the hall of the temple is surrounded by the colonnade of 8 pillars in east-west and 17 pillars in north-south.

Can we go inside the Parthenon?

How long should we plan to spend at the Parthenon?

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