Temple of Erechtheion

Temple of Erechtheion

Introduction   It is located right in the middle of the northern edge of the Acropolis, opposite the Parthenon. It was the last major structure completed in the reconstruction plan of the Acropolis formulated by Pericles in the 5th century BC. The temple was built in dedication to the goddess of wisdom Athena, the sea god Poseidon, and King Erechtheus of Athens. The eastern part of the temple features a traditional six-columned facade, while the southern side adopts a false hall design.

Here, there are six world-famous marble caryatid columns. These statues depict maidens wearing long dresses cinched at the waist, appearing light and airy as they stand gracefully while supporting immense weight on their heads. The statue of Athena inside the temple stands upright in armor and serves as the prototype for all other depictions of Athena. In front of the statue is a golden lamp that only needs refueling once a year, along with a palm tree-shaped chimney and wooden carved statues. Although the temple has endured many trials over time, today one can only faintly imagine its former grandeur through the remaining six maiden columns.

Athens, Greece