Acropolis, Athens
Athen, Greece
04.05.2019
Akropolis von Athen, also known as the Acropolis of Athens, is one of the most iconic and culturally significant landmarks in Greece. Located in the heart of Athens, this ancient citadel stands tall on a rocky hill overlooking the city, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
The term "Akropolis" comes from the Greek words "akron" meaning highest point and "polis" meaning city. It is a fitting name for this majestic site as it was once the center of the ancient Greek city-state of Athens, and is now considered the symbol of the city and the birthplace of Western civilization.
The most famous feature of the Akropolis is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. Built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon is a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture and is renowned for its intricate design and impressive size. It is also a symbol of the Golden Age of Athens, a period of great cultural and artistic achievements.
Aside from the Parthenon, the Akropolis is also home to several other ancient structures such as the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaia. These structures not only showcase the architectural brilliance of the ancient Greeks but also hold great historical and cultural significance.
In addition to the ancient ruins, visitors can also explore the Akropolis Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures found on the site. The museum provides a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the Akropolis and its structures.
The Akropolis von Athen is not only a popular tourist destination, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Greece and is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Greek civilization.
In conclusion, a visit to the Akropolis von Athen is a must for anyone visiting Athens. Its historical, architectural, and cultural significance make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With its breathtaking views and fascinating history, the Akropolis is a must-see destination for all travelers.
The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.
The Acropolis of Athens (Ancient Greek: ἡ Ἀκρόπολις τῶν Ἀθηνῶν, romanized: hē Akropolis tōn Athēnōn; Modern Greek: Ακρόπολη Αθηνών, romanized: Akrópoli Athinón) is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, Greece, and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word Acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "highest point, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city"). The term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. During ancient times the Acropolis of Athens was also more properly known as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king.
While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as early as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the buildings whose present remains are the site's most important ones, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon and the other buildings were seriously damaged during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War when gunpowder being stored by the then Turkish rulers in the Parthenon was hit by a Venetian bombardment and exploded.
