Saturday, October 26, 2013

Discovering Greece - The Acropolis of Athens


I've long dreamt of visiting Greece, home of the Olympians and their myths.
 
The Parthenon in the Acropolis is one of the best known buildings in the world.  It was completed in 438 BC to celebrate Athenian victory over Persian invaders.  Its Doric columns are delicately tapered and curve slightly inwards, making the building stable and beautiful.  Most of the frieze and other sculptures have been removed to the recently built Acropolis Museum.
 
 

An Acropolis is a high area of a city, especially in Greece 
Ancient Athens built this huge Acropolis theatre for her citizens

 

 
As you approach the Parthenon through the olive trees
the temple dedicated to Athena Nike (winged goddess of victory) shines in the sun. 
 
 
And when you get to the top, the view of Athens is terrific!
 
 
We could even see our hotel, the Athens Gate. 
It is two buildings to the right of the column in the park;
you can see the green rooftop restaurant.
That's Hadrian's Gate to the left of the picture.
 
 
This temple was built in the spot where Athena and Poseidon competed for
the affections of the people of this region, known as Attica. 
Poseidon offered them the gift of the horse, but Athena gave them the world's first olive tree. 
It's descendent grows in a sheltered spot to the left of the temple below.
 

 
These beautiful ladies guard the temple for eternity.
 

 
We found several tortoises around the Acropolis.
 
 
The girls' history teacher requested a picture of the Agora. 
We aren't sure why, but the big temple is very pretty from a distance.
 


At night, they light the Parthenon and other ancient buildings on the Acropolis.  Beautiful!
 
  
 
The Acropolis Museum is one of the best in the world.
It contains sculptures found around the Acropolis,
as well as the frieze from the Parthenon.
Unfortunately, they don't allow photos, so you'll have to visit Greece to see!
 
 
Under the glass floors, you can see the remains of an ancient Athens neighborhood
that are still being excavated beneath the museum. 
 
 
After a busy day sightseeing, we found this outdoor cafĂ© in an alley. 
Live music, olives, plate throwing - who could ask for more?