The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis in Athens, is the jewel of ancient Greek architecture. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, it symbolizes the grandeur of Greek civilization. Built in the 5th century BC, it embodies the faith, culture and power of Athens.
An architectural masterpiece, it is distinguished by its perfect proportions and its sculptures, created under the direction of the sculptor Phidias. Today, the Parthenon remains a living symbol of Athenian democracy, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The Athenians built the Parthenon in the 5th century BC to honor their patron goddess, Athena. Pericles, their great strategist, oversaw the project, while sculptor Phidias directed the decorative work. Construction began in 447 BC and took around 15 years, at the height of Athens’ greatness. The challenges were many, including the Peloponnesian War and the difficult conditions of working with marble. The temple symbolized the power and prosperity of Athens at its height.
Over the centuries, the Parthenon has undergone various transformations. Originally a temple dedicated to Athena, it was transformed into a Christian church in the 6th century, then into a mosque under the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. In 1687, an explosion caused by Venetian gunfire partially destroyed the building. The Parthenon was also disfigured by Lord Elgin’s removal of the marbles in the early 19th century. Today, the Parthenon remains a symbol of Athens and Western culture, and its status as a historic monument is protected.
The Parthenon features a Doric style, characterized by simple, solid columns. This style, with its streamlined design, is perfectly suited to a temple dedicated to Athena, a goddess of war and wisdom. The columns are made of pentelic marble, a brilliant white material prized for its beauty and durability. The building measures around 31 metres wide and 69 metres long. It is surrounded by 46 columns, 8 at the front and 17 on the sides.
The Parthenon introduced architectural innovations to improve the temple’s aesthetics and stability. For example, the columns are not perfectly straight, but slightly curved to compensate for the effect of optical distortion. What’s more, the stylobate (the top of the temple steps) is slightly curved to compensate for optical illusions, making the building more harmonious. These adjustments create an illusion of perfection, accentuating the temple’s beauty.
The sculptures of the Parthenon, created by Phidias and his workshop, are among the most famous in Antiquity. They included friezes depicting mythological scenes and divine figures, like those adorning the pediment and the continuous frieze. The Parthenon Marbles, notably the group sculpted by Phidias, depict scenes from the Trojan War and the Olympian gods. These sculptures were not only decorative, but also symbolized the ideals of Athens, in particular the superiority of the gods and the heroism of the Athenians.
The Parthenon wasn’t always the imposing monument we know today. Over the centuries, it has undergone major transformations and destruction. Its history reflects the evolution of Greece through the ages, marked by conflict, invasion and religious change.
After its conversion into a Christian church in the 5ᵉ century, the Parthenon underwent its first transformation. During the Ottoman occupation in the 15ᵉ century, the temple became a mosque. In 1687, an explosion seriously damaged the structure when the Venetians bombarded Athens and hit the Parthenon. The latter was used as an ammunition depot for the Ottoman army.
The Parthenon marbles were partially removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19ᵉ century. He took them to London, where they are now on display at the British Museum. This highly controversial action led to heated debate. Greece is still demanding their return, as it considers the sculptures to be an integral part of its cultural heritage. The looting of the Parthenon marbles remains one of the world’s greatest heritage scandals.
The Parthenon is dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. This temple embodies the link between Greek mythology and the greatness of Athens. According to mythology, Athena was born from the head of Zeus, after he swallowed his first wife, Metis. This divine birth symbolizes wisdom and strategy, essential qualities for the Athenians.
The temple housed a gigantic statue of Athena Parthenos by the sculptor Phidias. This statue, made of gold and ivory, represented the goddess in all her majesty. It was the heart of the Parthenon, symbolizing the protection of Athens. The goddess was seen as the city’s protector, guiding its citizens through war and peace.
The myths surrounding Athena were essential to the temple. For example, during the Panathenaeum, a festival in honor of Athena, the citizens of Athens offered sacrifices to honor the goddess. These myths shaped the Parthenon, making it more than just a place of worship: a symbol of Athens’ power and identity.
The Athenians built the Parthenon not only as a temple to Athena, but also as a symbol of the power of Athens. It served as a political, cultural and religious center. The temple housed important treasures, such as offerings and sacred objects, used for public ceremonies. Indeed, the Parthenon functioned as a gathering place for Athenian citizens, reinforcing the unity of the city.
The Athenians celebrated the Panathenaeum, the great religious festival, in honor of Athena. These festivities included processions, sacrifices and sporting competitions, including chariot races. The temple was at the heart of these celebrations, uniting the population around a single cult. These events were not only religious, but also political, celebrating the greatness of Athens and its role as a leader in the Greek world.
Ceremonies around the Parthenon served to reinforce Athens’ identity and prestige among other Greek cities. They were a way of showing the power of the city and the favor of the gods. These festivals also served to educate the population, reminding them of their common heritage and the values of the city.
The Parthenon marbles, sculpted by Phidias, represent a masterpiece of ancient Greek art. They decorate the temple’s friezes and pediments, illustrating mythological and historical scenes.
In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin removed a large number of these marbles from the Parthenon. He transported them to England, provoking much controversy. Greece has been demanding their return for years, arguing that they are part of its cultural heritage. This dispute remains a subject of international debate.
The marbles are now on display at the British Museum, while Greece continues to demand their return. The debate raises questions about the restitution of cultural works and their importance to the world’s heritage.
The Parthenon marbles are much more than mere works of art. They symbolize the aspiration to preserve and share humanity’s cultural treasures. Their return would enable Greece to revive the entire heritage of the Parthenon, a symbol of ancient culture.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the Parthenon is full of intriguing stories and little-known facts. Here are some fascinating facts to discover:
The optic refers to the subtle curves of the columns and stylobate. They are not straight, but slightly curved to correct optical distortions caused by perspective. This ingenious technique demonstrates the mastery of ancient Greek architecture.
Today, some of the original sculptures remain on site, such as the friezes and pediments. Lord Elgin removed many of these sculptures in the early 19th century. Others are kept in museums, notably the British Museum.
Archaeological excavations continue to reveal new elements, such as fragments of statues and inscriptions, which help us to better understand the structure and function of the Parthenon in antiquity.
One of the first to seriously excavate the site was Greek archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis in the early 19th century. He discovered several important elements and contributed to the preservation of the Parthenon at a time when the building was in poor condition. Interest in the Parthenon then grew considerably in the 19th century, with international interest in Greek archaeology.
The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, became a Christian church in the 6th century. Later, after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, it was transformed into a mosque. This transformation modified the Parthenon, adding minarets and Christian iconographic elements. It has also suffered considerable damage from battles and attacks.
The sculptures of the Parthenon have had a profound influence on Western art. After extraction by Lord Elgin, the marbles were exhibited in London. They became a benchmark for 19th-century artists. These marbles inspired many artists, including Renaissance and Neoclassical sculptors.
During the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, the Ottomans used the Parthenon as a military arsenal. In 1687, a Venetian bombardment hit the Parthenon as it was being used as a gunpowder depot. This caused a massive explosion, destroying part of the structure.
The Parthenon frieze is a sculptural masterpiece. In addition to its beauty, it bears witness to the technical and artistic skills of ancient Greek sculptors. The friezes depict a religious procession, representing the greatness and dignity of the Athenian people. These friezes have had a profound impact on the visual arts in the history of art.
Efforts to preserve the Parthenon are multiplying. For decades, Greek and international experts have worked tirelessly to maintain the monument’s integrity. Restoration, though complex, is essential to counter the wear and tear of time and the damage caused by weathering, pollution and war.
The contributions of specialists in various fields (archaeology, engineering, materials conservation) helped stabilize the temple. However, the restoration process is not without controversy. The methods used, such as the replacement of certain stones with copies, have sometimes given rise to debate.
The challenges of conservation are manifold. Modern interventions must be constantly balanced with the monument’s authenticity. In addition, the temperature and humidity, particularly due to the masses of visitors, complicate the task. The Parthenon, fragile but magnificent, requires constant care.
Tourism plays a crucial role in the preservation of the Parthenon. Every year, millions of visitors admire this ancient marvel. This tourism generates income, but it also puts pressure on the monument. Consequently, restrictions on the number of visitors are applied, and certain areas are restricted.
Today, visits are better structured. Guides, information panels and modern technology help to manage crowds while informing visitors about the history of the site. In addition, the Greek authorities monitor the air quality and stability of the building, guaranteeing its long-term preservation.
The Parthenon has had a lasting influence on modern art and architecture. Its impeccable design and sculptural elements have inspired architects and artists down the centuries. This section explores how his influence endures.
The architecture of the Parthenon, particularly its simplicity and majesty, left its mark on the architects of later centuries. Famous architects such as Karl Friedrich Schinkel have used his principles in their designs. Schinkel adopted the Doric style and the use of columns for many government buildings in Europe in the 19th century.
Government buildings around the world are inspired by the Parthenon. His influence can be seen in the design of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., as well as other neoclassical monuments. The imposing columns and sculpted friezes of these buildings recall the Parthenon and its timeless aesthetic.
During the Renaissance, artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael incorporated elements of the Parthenon into their works. The friezes and sculptures inspired famous frescoes and sculptures, reinforcing the link between ancient Greek and Western art. This dialogue between Antiquity and the Renaissance has enabled the beauty of the Parthenon to stand the test of time.
Acropolis of Athens | | News | Products Greece | Greek recipes | Our producers and craftsmen | Knossos Palace | Skiathos | Cephalonia | Hydra | Milos | Temple of Apollo | Paros | Olive oil | Lesvos | Recipe for saganaki | Tarama | Recipe for Keftedes | Greek yogurt | Tarama recipe | Rhodes | Thessaloniki | Figs | Greek honey | Athens Marathon | The Odeon of Herod Atticus | Sanctuary of Delphi | Colossus of Rhodes |
Recent articles
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is a fascinating destination combining ancient history, heavenly beaches and a vibrant lifestyle. Located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, this island is a bridge between Europe and the Orient.
Between the Aegean Sea and the wild mountains, Crete embodies the Greek soul in all its richness. Here, myths rub shoulders with everyday life: picturesque villages, golden beaches and ancestral traditions punctuate the rhythm of time. From Minoan frescoes to seaside tavernas, every detail reveals an island that is generous, proud and deeply human. Discover Crete in a different way, through its landscapes, its flavors and the incomparable welcome of its inhabitants.
Discover a complete, technical, rigorous and visual study of the technical analysis of Stalia olive oil.
Discover a complete, technical, rigorous and visual study of the technical analysis of Eladaki olive oil.
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025, to be held from June 1 to August 24, celebrates 70 years of cultural history. This not-to-be-missed event combines ancient theater, classical music, opera, contemporary dance and innovative creations, spread between the Odeon of Herod Atticus in Athens, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, Peiraios 260 and other exceptional sites. With a rich, international program, advanced accessibility features, and an organization that cares about heritage and the environment, the festival offers a unique experience combining heritage, art and modernity.
Experiences
Accessories
Beverages
