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The Parthenon: A Majestic Ode to Ancient Greek Excellence
History Of The Parthenon Athens
- 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
- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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
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
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- By City Bus- It’s easiest to reach the destination via city buses which you can catch at the routes 24,40,126, 134, A2, A3, A4 and 57. The closest bus stop where you can deboard the bus is Makriyianni bus stop.
- By Trolley- The trolley lines 1,5 and 15 would take you to the destination of the Parthenon which is located in the complex of Acropolis.
- By Car- You reach the Parthenon from Athens city centre via Stadiou and EO91. You can park your vehicle at Veikou, Hatzichristou, Parthenonos streets, Falirou and Rovertou Gali streets.
- By Train- The nearest train station to the complex of Acropolis in Athens is Phix. You can reach the Parthenon in 11 minutes from the station.
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For an unparalleled experience at the temple of Parthenon, consider visiting during the serene early morning hours. As the sun gently rises, the museum grounds are sparsely crowded, offering you the luxury of savoring your visit without any rush. During this tranquil time, you can immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the Parthenon and its surroundings, undisturbed by bustling crowds.
The awe-inspiring views of the ancient city unfold before you, allowing for uninterrupted moments of reflection and appreciation. The soft morning light casts a magical glow upon the ancient ruins, enhancing the allure of this iconic attraction. It's a time when the whispers of history come alive, and you can feel the ancient spirit of Athens in every step you take.
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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?
No, the visitors aren’t allowed to access the insides of the Parthenon temple due to its fragile state. But, you can wander around the Parthenon Hall with your Parthenon tickets and can click several pictures of the exterior of the attraction.
How long should we plan to spend at the Parthenon?
You should save upto 2-4 hours to enjoy the Parthenon. You can complement your Parthenon tickets with that of admission tickets of other historical monuments like the temple of Athena Nike located in the complex.
Can we book Parthenon tickets online?
Yes, you can book the Parthenon tickets online via us, or the official website of the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon or travelling agencies.
What to wear while visiting the Parthenon?
You should wear comfortable clothes suitable for an early morning outing and the shoes should have a good grip as well to avoid falling over the slippery stones.
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