DESTINATION GREECE
of wisdom. A gold and ivory statue of her was constructed by sculptor Phidi- as. Te Parthenon was built in Doric order construction, which is a simple, unadorned style, featuring eight col- umns along the front and rear, and 17 along the sides. It had a wooden roof with marble tiles and marble statues that adorned the pediments. Appre- ciate this structure’s beauty from the outside as visitors are not allowed in its interior in order to protect it. Once you’ve seen the Parthenon,
you may be so captivated that you fail to see what else is around you, but don’t make that mistake. Tere are also many more magnificent parts of the Acropolis to discover. Often- missed is the Temple of Athena Nike. Built around 420 BC in the Ionic style with four columns at the front and back, here Athena was worshipped as the Goddess of victory (Nike) and as the Goddess who stands by Athenians in time of war. Tis small temple is in great condition because it has been restored three times, most recently in 2000.
Considered the holiest of all Athe- nian temples is the Erechtheion, built between 420 and 406 BC. It is located across from the Parthenon and parts of it have been restored with new marble. Here Athena’s sacred symbol, the ol- ive tree, grew and was subsequently destroyed by the Persians. However, according to mythology, the tree blos-
somed again when the Persians were chased out. Be sure to visit the south porch, which is supported on the heads of six maidens, known as the Caryatids (copies are there now, as the originals are in the Acropolis Mu- seum).
East of the Parthenon lies what
remains of the Temple of Rome and Augustus, which is only the founda- tion. Dedicated by the city of Ath- ens to the goddess Rome and Octa- vian Augustus, it was constructed as a small circular temple, with a single row of nine ionic columns. If you want a taste of what is con-
sidered the birthplace of the Greek drama, do not miss the Teatre of Dionysus, located at the foot of the Acropolis on the south slope. Origi- nally built around 300 BC, it later collapsed but was rebuilt during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Te open-air, semicircle theater could seat up to 17,000 people, and the seats and stage are still visible. You will also be able to view the theater from atop the Acropolis on the southeast side. If you feel up to venturing west of the Acropolis, you’ll discover the Areopagus. It’s well worth the short climb up this marble hill for views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens. Before you end your Greek history experience, be sure to make a stop at Te Acropolis Museum, situated in close proximity to the Acropolis.
GREECE AND ATHENS
Custom, independent travel to Greece can be arranged by Perillo travel counselors. Seven to 10 day escorted tours to Athens and various Greek islands are also available.
Tours include: • Three nights in a 5-star hotel in Athens and visits to the Parthenon and Acropolis.
• Two nights in 5-star hotel in Mykonos and Crete. • Sightseeing tours
20 |
• Three nights in a 5-star hotel in Santorini
• Transfers and ground and island ferry transportation
• Selected lunches, dinners and daily buffet breakfasts
(See
perillotours.com for details) | Spring 2015
Acropolis of Athens. Temple of Athena Nike. © ABB Photo/Bigstock
Overflowing with ancient history,
it houses more than 3,000 artifacts, organized into five permanent exhi- bitions. Here you can get up-close views of many of the original Acrop- olis sculptures to truly get a sense of what it was like in its heyday. As with most tourist attractions, the
earlier you start out the better. Tis will help avoid some of the crowds and heat, especially in the summer. Avid photographers, however, will want to go after 5 p.m. for the best light dur- ing the summer months. Also, while in the area, spend some time explor- ing the historic Plaka district. Tis vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighbor- hood lies right below the Acropolis. Quell your appetite with souvlaki and perhaps some ouzo at one of the many outdoor cafés or purchase a locally crafted jewelry piece at the numerous shops lining the streets.
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