“The Acropolis is the triumph of the soul reaching for the eternal.” Unknown
Today was another day filled with more sightseeing…and navigating the crowds. Surprisingly, even though it is winter, there are quite a few tourists. Patience was required when walking and taking photos.
I took this photo from atop the Acropolis. I couldn’t believe all the people standing on this rock.
Welcome to the Acropolis and Parthenon! Since this is one of the most famous complexes in the world, I will not insult your intelligence and instead will share some facts (or maybe fiction – history doesn’t always paint the most accurate picture) that I learned (mostly from Stavros on our tour) about the place that maybe aren’t so well known.
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The Parthenon was not only a temple for the Goddess Athena…it was also where they hid the money! The city’s gold, silver, money, and other valuables were stored in a vault at the feet of the grand statue of Athena. A temple and bank combo – a multi-purpose building. It is also earthquake -proof.
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The temple housed Athena’s large chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue, parts of which could be removed and used in emergencies. I’m not exactly sure how they used them but nonetheless, they were removable.
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The Parthenon was not white like you see today. It was painted with lively colors (blues, reds, greens, gold, etc.).
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The Parthenon has been a church, a mosque, and a munitions depot.
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In the 6th century AD, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
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Under Ottoman rule, it was turned into a mosque in the 15th century.
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During the Venetian siege in 1687, it was used as a munitions depot, which caused the catastrophic explosion that severely damaged the structure.
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The stone/rock in the Acropolis has marine fossiles from when it was underwater and not the massive hill you see today.
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In ancient times, the Acropolis was primarily a religious and cultural center. Only priests, officials, and selected individuals were allowed to enter certain areas. No tourists allowed.
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There Was Once a Bronze Lighthouse on the Acropolis. Sailors used it as a landmark for navigation.
There is another building still standing called The Old Temple of Athena. The architecture is beautiful. I especially loved the statues used as structural columns.
The entire complex is gorgeous and full of columns (the symbolism of columns from these ancient civilizations is a little too obvious, don’t you think? We get it, you’re macho).
Luckily it was warm and the sun was shining during my visit so I could take my time walking around and enjoying the views.
The panorama was gorgeous. Athens is a huge city and this is only a view from one side of the hill.
I did a little trail walking around the area after I left the gated section of the Acropolis and discovered the Prison of Socrates. Legend has it that he was held here during his trial but historians say that it is unlikely. Who really knows? I’ll let you believe whatever you like.
A day in Athens is not complete without some traditional Greek food! Appetizers for late lunch/early dinner are my favorite. I love a nice sample platter. This delectable dish contained dolmades, olives, and three different traditional dips with pita bread. Yum! And a glass of red wine for good health. Yamas!
Afterwards I took a stroll through the National Garden.
Good Things List
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Enjoying the Greek way of life!
Much love & gratitude. Namaste 🙏
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It felt very crowded but an employee told me that summertime is 10x worse. Add the heat and he said it can be extremely miserable and feels like being trapped in a sauna.
