Tourists make it a point to visit the temple of Erechtheion, commonly known as the Erechtheum, in Acropolis, Greece.
Acropolis Erechtheion temple is on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens.
The ancient Greeks initially built it to house many deities; eventually, they dedicated this temple to Athena and Poseidon. Hence, it is called temple of Athena Polias.
It is one of the most popular attractions of the Acropolis. So, book your Erechtheion tickets.
What is the Erechtheion?
Originally built over the ruins of two previous temples, the Erechthion Acropolis symbolizes ancient culture and aesthetics.
The Erechtheion Acropolis Athens is known for its spiritual value of being the shrine of Athena Polias, Athena and Poseidon, two powerful Greek gods.
It is the last major temple the Greeks built in Acropolis, Athens.
The southern porch of the Erechtheion Athens features six Ionic columns that support the entablature.
These Erechtheion columns are known for their unique and intricate design.
The northern porch has six caryatids, which are columns sculpted in the form of female figures.
The caryatids are renowned for their striking beauty and are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture.
Additionally, the eastern porch of the Erechtheum has six slender columns decorated in the Doric style.
The Erechtheion architecture is a stunning testament to Ionic and Doric styles, making it a significant and remarkable masterpiece that has gained widespread recognition.
Purchase Acropolis tickets to witness the beauty of Erechtheion and be a part of its history.
When was the Erechtheion built?
The Construction of the temple Erechtheion began only after the other major temples, such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The construction started after 421 B.C and took a long time to complete.
Significant evidence indicates that the structure of Erechtheion was completed in 406 or 405 B.C.
Hence, the Erechtheion at Athens was built in the last 20 years of the fifth century B.C.
Where is the Erechtheion located?
The Erechtheion is a rectangular structure divided into several cellas, the largest of which is on the east side of the building.
The Erechtheion temple is located on the Acropolis of Athens and sits in the Mycenaean fortification walls of the Acropolis. Get Directions.
It is in a unique location (a sharp part of the Acropolis), following an unusual design compared to other Greek temples.
A probable reason behind this might be its late construction after the other major structures.
Learn how to reach the Erechtheion.
The most crucial tip before visiting the Acropolis is to pre-purchase its tickets since the attraction gets pretty crowded due to its popularity.
Erechtheion and Common Beliefs
- The name ‘Erechtheion’ is derived from the name of a person called Erechtheus, whom ancient Athenians worshipped as king.
- Even the Odyssey, by Homer, mentions the house of Erechtheus.
- The temple of Erechtheion houses the grave of Kekrops.
- It also has traces of a dispute between Athena and Poseidon over the city of Athens.
What to expect at the Erechtheion Acropolis Athens
The Erechtheion at Athens is the pinnacle of the Acropolis from where you can take in the breathtaking view of Athens’ skyline.
You must appreciate the Erechtheion architecture, especially the six beautiful female statues called caryatids supporting the temple’s roof.
Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Erechtheion at Athens by purchasing entry tickets to the Acropolis.
It includes admission to Erechtheion and other beautiful structures, such as temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon or the Acropolis of Athens Museum.
Contents
FAQ
What is the Erechtheion of the Acropolis?
The Erechtheion or the Erechtheum is an ancient Greek temple of Athena Polias.
It is an Ionic ‘temple-telesterion,’ meaning it was an initiation hall.
The most famous aspect of Erechtheion’s architecture is the six Erechtheion Caryatids, statues of women that function as pillars.
Who built the Erechtheion?
The credit for the majestic Erechtheion architecture goes to Mnesicles, its architect.
Check out the Erechtheion architecture yourself by purchasing the Erechtheion tickets.
What is the purpose of the Erechtheion?
The Erechtheion Athens is a temple in the Acropolis dedicated to housing the statue of Athena Polias.
It is also believed to have served as a reliquary for various religious items rather than being dedicated to a single deity.
In the later millennia, it was also used as a Christian Church, a palace for bishops, and a residence for a garrison commander.
Do you need to buy separate Erechtheion tickets and Acropolis tickets?
No! You don’t need to purchase separate tickets for the Erechtheion while visiting the archaeological site of Acropolis.
One single entry ticket to the Acropolis will let you explore the Erechtheion.
The tickets include other significant structures, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Parthenon, and the Temple of Athena Nike at the Acropolis.
What material is the Erechtheion made of?
The Erechtheion features the quintessential Greek architecture, and the structure is made up of Pentelic marble from the nearby Mt. Pentelicus.
The temple’s walls were constructed in ashlar isodomic masonry.
The best-known feature of Erechtheion is the six Korai statues on whose heads the roof is rested.
What was the Erechtheion used for?
The Erechtheion houses shrines to several deities, such as Athena, Zeus, and Poseidon.
The structure is named after the mythical king, Erechtheus, who judged the contest between Athena and Poseidon for who would be the patron deity of Athens.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Erechtheion?
Yes, you should book Acropolis tickets in advance to visit Erechtheion.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Hence, millions visit this iconic site each year.
Getting a skip-the-line Acropolis ticket will drastically shorten the wait time of the queues at the ticket office.
What hotels are near Erechtheion?
Some hotels that can give the view of Erechtheion are Acropolis View Hotel, Plaka Hotel, Herodion Hotel, etc.
Go through the top 5 hotels in Athens near Acropolis and choose the one according to your itinerary and travel needs.
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