![]() The entrance can become quite crowded at peak times. The multifaceted architectural complex, featuring intricate details, contributes to an overall sense of grandeur. On the east side is a smaller but still impressive portico also with Doric columns. Along the front of this portico are six Doric columns, which originally supported the pediment. To the west is a deep portico, with a central doorway framed in Ionic columns. First, a flight of marble steps leads up to a vestibule containing five gateways, which increase in width and height from the sides to the center. The Propylaia was built from 437 BC to 432 BC. In the early evening, tourist line the stairs to watch sunset. This majestic entranceway set the tone for arriving visitors, preparing them for the jaw-dropping site of the Parthenon and the other monumental temples on the rocky hilltop above. Propylaia: The Magnificent Entrance to the Acropolis Propylaia: The magnificent entrance to the Acropolis | Photo Copyright: Lana LawĪn ordinary entrance gate would not suffice for the glorious ancient city of the Acropolis. The Athens & Epidaurus Festival presents classical Greek operas, as well as musical and dance performances, offering tourists the magical experience of watching two-thousand-year-old drama in the original theater.Ĥ. Live performances are still held at this theater during the summertime. Between the auditorium and the stage were open passages for the entrance of the choir (parodoi). ![]() The orchestra was originally located in the circular space in the center with the low stage (skene) close to it on one side. Semicircular rows of seating could accommodate nearly 5,000 people. The theater was designed with an auditorium fitted into a natural hollow. This ancient theater is named after Herodes Atticus of Marathon (outside of Athens), who built it in memory of his wife Regilla in AD 161. ![]() There is a side path off the main walkway up to the Acropolis, with a view over the theater. Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A Second-Century Theater Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Photo Copyright: Lana LawĪfter entering the ticketed admission area of the Acropolis, you can visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. See also: Where to Stay near the Acropolisġ. When you've finished, head over to the north side of the hill to the pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou, where you can enjoy a meal while you soak up a fantastic view of the Acropolis from below. Use this list as your sightseeing guide as you tour the site. The attractions below offer more detail on each of these highlights of the Acropolis, as well as several others. When you exit the Propylaia at the top, you can immediately see the Parthenon to the right and the Erechtheion complex on the left, with the easily recognizable statues of the Porch of the Caryatids. If you look to the right as you are climbing up to the Propylaia, you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike perched up high. After entering through the main gate, you will pass the theater Odeon of Herodes Atticus, then walk through the Beulé Gate before reaching the Propylaia, which is the dramatic main entrance to the Acropolis. The main attraction at the Acropolis is the Parthenon, but there are several key sites. Erechtheion complex at the Acropolis | Photo Copyright: Lana Law While wandering around the many archaeological remains of the Acropolis, you follow in the footsteps of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles and discover the building blocks of Western Civilization. In addition to the Parthenon, you'll find many more things to see among these emblematic ancient ruins. Crowning a dramatic limestone crag, the Acropolis stands high above modern Athens as a symbol of the city's former glory, recalling the culture that flourished more than two millennia ago. Even the most jaded of world travelers cannot visit ancient Greece's most iconic attraction without being awestruck. Visiting the Acropolis is a highlight of any trip to Athens.
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