The Acropolis

Today we decided to do what’s consider a must-do for those visiting Athens, that is, visit the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous of these being the Parthenon (wikipedia). It’s consider to be the most important ancient site in the Western world (I guess people who believe this haven’t seen Yackandandah).

After a visit to the museum at the base of the mountain, we then made our way up a quite steep path to the site itself. One never quite knows how to adequately convey the sense of awe one feels looking at ruins such as this. We felt the same sense of awe in Rome and in Bath, England. To say they leave you breathless is far too much of an understatement.

The building which dominates the Acropolis is, without doubt, the Parthenon. This magnificent building was completed in 438 BC (again, around the same time as Yack) and amazingly took only nine years to complete (I’ve seen bathroom renovation which took longer). It is built totally of marble and the pieces were so expertly carved, I understand you cannot place a cigarette paper between them.

The front of the Parthenon showing the modern restoration works

Over the centuries, or in this case millennia, the building has suffered at the hands of conquering armies and changes in political fortunes. The worst damage occurred relatively recently, around five centuries ago, when an explosion knocked down a large portion of the structure. However, there have been numerous attempts, since around the 19^th century to restore part of the building. Some of the attempts were so poor, recent restoration work by the Greek government and the EU have actually been more about undoing the original restorations. While such work is commendable, you have to question whether actually restoring a building constructed so many years ago is attempting to undo the natural order of history. The restoration is well crafted, without doubt, but blind Freddy can see it as non-original.

Many of the columns remain in remarkably good condition

  

Whether or not you agree with restorations of ancient ruins, the Acropolis is certainly one of the most memorable experiences we are ever likely to have; we simply loved it.

The view from the Acropolis offers stunning, 360 degree vistas of Athens.