Are the Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens Worth a Visit?
Many people traveling to Greece usually have the Acropolis and Parthenon of Athens at the top of their lists. In fact, it's almost the norm that travelers in Greece will make their way to these sites. And as trends go, you, too, may be considering a similar travel itinerary. But are they worth your time? We take you through the history of these iconic structures, enabling you to understand why so many locals and tourists make a stop here, and why these sites have come to be global attractions.
The Making of These Historical Sites
How long do you think the Acropolis and Parthenon of Athens have been standing? Well, our story takes you back to the Bronze Age - Yes, it's that far back! But at this time, the buildings that you see today did not exist. In their place were other buildings which the Persians destroyed during the war. So, when the Athenians defeated the Persians in the 5th Century BCE, they decided to rebuild what they had lost, which is how the monuments we see today came to be.
While people often use the Acropolis and Parthenon of Athens interchangeably, these are two distinct structures, as follows:
The Acropolis
Back in the day, people built fortified fortresses where they could be safe from their enemies. Such is the case with the Acropolis, which is literally on a hill where the Athenians could enjoy vantage views from all corners. In this fortress are tons of buildings, including the Propylaea and the Athena Nike. The fortress was constructed in a way that locals could meet all their needs in one place - it might remind you of the live, work, and play concepts that are taking root across the globe!
The Parthenon
As much as there are many temples in the Acropolis, this one gets the most attention because of its unique structure. On and in it, you find all sorts of sculptures and decorations which have been credited to Pheidias, an artist who rose to fame because of his beautiful work.
Records show that it took the Athenians all of 15 years to finish the work on this temple, which explains why it is such a work of wonder!
Functionality in Beauty
As you walk around and look upon what remains of these monuments, you might find yourself wondering why they were created and whether they served any role beyond being the perfect backdrop for your vacation pictures. The answer is yes! Through the centuries, these buildings were critical in the following functions:
Religion
If you dig deep into Greek history, you will see that religion played a critical role in society. As such, the Acropolis served as a sacred site where locals gathered for religious festivals. The temples built in the fortress served as a way to honor the gods. Take the example of the Parthenon. The goal behind its construction was to honor the city's goddess, who was known as Athena. In fact, this temple was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, which translates into Athena the Virgin.
Power
As mentioned before, the Athenians built the monuments in the Acropolis right after they had defeated the Persians. Why is that? Well, in the previous wars, the Persians had destroyed various buildings in the Acropolis, including the temples. As such, in building anew, the Athenians were not only declaring their victory over the Persians, but they were also celebrating it by rebuilding what they had lost over the years.
Civilization
Cities might seem like a thing of the new century, but these settlements have existed for eons. The Acropolis is one such example. It served as a central location where democracy, art, and philosophy converged. It was also home to the treasury.
By serving as the location for all these activities, the Acropolis played a significant role in the growth of Athens.
What's in It for You?
Millions of people visit these monuments each year, including locals. So, what's the motivation behind these visits, and what do you stand to gain from your visit?
Historical relevance
It's a well-known fact that the Greeks played a crucial role in democracy, philosophy, and various other aspects of Western civilization. By touring these monuments, you get to see where it all began, which is quite an inspiring experience.
Architectural wonder
We live in a world where classical architecture is slowly getting phased out in lieu of simpler designs. But we have to admit that the classical works were quite amazing, from their optical illusions down to their carvings. Whether you are an art lover or not, you are sure to be wowed by these beautiful structures.
Perfect backdrops
What's a historical tour without stunning snapshots? Set on a hill, the Acropolis offers visitors incredible views of modern-day Athens. A picture that highlights this contrast is just what you need to cement your memories.
Since some of the sculptures that were in the Acropolis have been moved to museums, it's always a good idea to add a museum tour to your itinerary so you can get a full picture of the past.