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- Acropolis
- Aristotle's Lyceum
- Roman Agora
- South Slope of the Acropolis of Athens
- Library of Hadrian
- Temple of Athena Nike
- Parthenon
- Combos
Contents
The Acropolis Parthenon tickets
Book Parthenon & Acropolis tickets
Quick facts about the Parthenon
Official name: The Parthenon
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Date of construction: 5th century BCE
Timings:
- 1st April to 15th September: 8 AM to 7.30 PM
- 16th to 30th September: 8 AM to 7 PM
- 1st to 15th October: 8 AM to 6.30 PM
- 16th to 31st October: 8 AM to 6 PM
- 1st November to 31st March: 8 AM to 5 PM
Plan your visit to the Parthenon at the Acropolis of Athens
Opening hours
The timings of the Parthenon are the same as the Acropolis of Athens:
- 1st April to 15th September: 8 AM to 7.30 PM
- 16th to 30th September: 8 AM to 7 PM
- 1st to 15th October: 8 AM to 6.30 PM
- 16th to 31st October: 8 AM to 6 PM
- 1st November to 31st March: 8 AM to 5 PM
Location
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Built between 447 BC and 432 BC, the Parthenon is a beautiful marble temple located at the Acropolis of Athens.
Acropolis of Athens locationSignificance of the Parthenon
Why is the Parthenon famous?
The Parthenon was built after the victory of the citizens of Athens over the Persians during the 5th century BCE Greco-Persian wars and was a symbol of Athens’ freedom. Built in the Doric architectural style, there are 16,500 pieces that fit together perfectly in the temple, the design showcasing the citizens’ prowess in maths and geometry. In ancient times, the temple also housed a 12-metre-high gold and ivory statue of Athena that overlooked the Acropolis of Athens and was considered a masterpiece.
What does Parthenon mean?
The Parthenon temple’s name comes from the Greek word “παρθενών”, which means “unmarried women’s apartment”. In the case of the temple, the term “Parthenon” was initially used to refer to only one particular room within the temple. Also, the epithet “parthénos” translates to “maiden girl” or “virgin” (an unmarried woman), which was frequently used while referring to Athena and Artemis. This is why it is said that Parthenon means “the temple of a virgin goddess” as it was dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos.
Historical purpose of the Parthenon
The main historical purpose of the Parthenon was as a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. In ancient times, it featured a tall gold and ivory statue of Athena where her worshippers gathered. According to the experts, a procession was held once every four years in Athens to honour Athena, which can be seen depicted on a frieze. Apart from its religious significance, the Parthenon, commissioned by Pericles, was a symbol of Athens’ power and culture.
Architecture of the Parthenon
The Parthenon is a Doric-style temple that was built in the 5th century. The architects Ictinus and Callicrates worked on the design of the temple under the supervision of Phidias. The Parthenon is made out of Pentelic marble and rests on a base with 3 steps. There were 8 Doric columns in the front and 17 columns on each side. Each column was 10.4 meters high while the base of the Parthenon was 69.5 x 30.9 meters. Several elements were specifically composed and optical corrections were used to give the impression of absolute perfection.
Highlights of the Parthenon
Metopes
There are 92 carved metopes on the exterior walls of the Parthenon temple. A metope is a black square that is placed between three-channeled triglyph rocks. The metopes present on the west side of the temple show the mythical battle between Ancient Greeks and the Amazons. It is not certain but seems to be the work of Kalamis. On the east façade, the metope depicts the mythical battle between the giants and the gods. The metopes on the north side show the Trojan war while the ones on the south side depict the battle between Lapiths and the mythical centaurs.
Parthenon Frieze
One of the most interesting parts of Parthenon architecture is the Ionic frieze that runs along the entire walls of the temple. Frieze is a broad horizontal band that can be found in the inner chamber of the Parthenon. Carved using the bas-relief technique, the sculptures of the frieze were slightly raised from their background. According to Historians, the frieze depicts the Panathenaic procession to Acropolis. This special procession that takes place once every four years shows Athenians honoring Greek goddess Athena. They offer her sacrifices and a new peplo dress and once can see the procession get more crowded near the gods on the eastern side of Parthenon.
Pediments
Located on the two sides of the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, pediments were made by several artists such as Agoracritos. These pediments are two sets of statues made of Pentelic white marble. The east facade pediment showed the birth of the Greek goddess Athena with other gods and goddesses being witnesses to it. The west pediment depicted the conflict between Athena and Poseidon, the god of the sea, to claim control of Attica including Athens. The supporters of Athena trail behind her chariot while Poseidon’s defenders stand behind him. The pediment statues were complex yet detailed and showed the determination of the sculptors to accurately capture the human body in their art.
Athena Parthenos
Athena Parthenos is a chryselephantine sculpture made by Phidias of the Greek Goddess Athena. The statue was housed in the Parthenon temple and one of the greatest works of the sculptor. This statue was approximately 12 meters tall and weighed around 1100 kg. Although the statue is lost, one can see its design on the coins and engraved gems. Athena’s statue depicts her after victory in combat. In her left hand, she holds a spear while a shield lays close to her feet. In her right hand, she holds Nike, the goddess of Victory. This ivory and gold sculpture of Athena is a masterpiece that’s been lost for ages now.
Frequently asked questions about the Parthenon
What is the Parthenon?
The Parthenon is a 5th century BC marble temple located in the Acropolis of Athens. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena and built during the height of the Greek empire’s power, it is the most renowned among the monuments of the Acropolis.
How much do Parthenon tickets cost?
You can visit the Parthenon as part of the Acropolis of Athens. Acropolis tickets start from €13 and can be purchased online.
Do I need to purchase separate tickets to the Parthenon?
No, your Acropolis tickets include access to Parthenon.
How do I purchase Parthenon tickets?
You can visit the Parthenon by purchasing Acropolis tickets online. Online booking is the most convenient way to buy tickets since you can plan your trip and make your reservation in advance for a day and time that best suits you. You can also avail of discounts and your entry to the attraction is guaranteed.
When was the Parthenon built?
The Parthenon at the Acropolis of Athens was built between 447 BC and 432 BC.
Who built the Parthenon?
The architects Callicrates and Ictinus worked on the design for the Parthenon temple under the supervision of Phidias, a sculptor. It was constructed as part of a building program ordered by the Greek politician Pericles.
How old is the Parthenon?
Built between 447 BC and 432 BC, the Parthenon is more than 2,450 years old.
What is the difference between the Acropolis and the Parthenon?
The Acropolis is the name of the hill and the citadel in Athens where the Parthenon temple is situated.
Why is the Parthenon famous?
The Parthenon at the Acropolis of Athens was the largest and most lavish temple the Greeks had ever seen or built. It was constructed during the 5th century BCE to mark the Greek victory over the Persians and as a dedication to the Greek goddess Athena, who was also the patron goddess of the city. It was a symbol of the power, culture, and wealth of the ancient Greek empire.
What is the architectural style of the Parthenon?
The Parthenon was built in the Classical architectural style.
What is inside the Parthenon?
The Parthenon once held statues and carvings depicting the story of Athens and its patron goddess Athena. While its marble columns still stand, archaeological findings from the temple can now be viewed at the Acropolis Museum.
What is the Parthenon used for today?
The Parthenon, along with the other structures at the Acropolis of Athens, is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world today. Sculptures and friezes from the Parthenon can be viewed at the Acropolis Museum.