Acropolis of Athens interesting facts and information

The Acropolis is located in Athens, Greece's capital city, and it is one of the world's most prominent cultural sites. This amazing archaeological site was where democracy was founded, as well as one of ancient Greece's major centers.The Parthenon, the Erectheion, and other structures on top of the Acropolis are praised for their beauty by visitors from around the world.

 

The Acropolis is the glory of Athens, Greece's capital, and one of the world's most significant cultural monuments.This remarkable archaeological site was one of ancient Greece' greatest cities and the birthplace of democracy.

 

For anyone visiting Athens, it's a must-see, and we've collected some fascinating facts about the Acropolis to shed more light on a monument that is a worldwide symbol of culture and one of the finest architectural complexes ever constructed.

1. The term “Acropolis” comes from the Greek words for "city" and "point." This can be taken to mean that an acropoleis is literally a city on top of something else - usually rock but also occasionally other things like temples or shrines. The most famous example would probably be Athens' Acropolis, where you'll find all sorts if ruins dating back thousands upon millennia!

2. The Acropolis suffered extensive damage during the Morean War. The Parthenon was used to store gunpowder by Athens' military, but it took their shelling when they laid siege in 1687 AD for this building's true powerlessness to be revealed--the Turks had also demolished Athena Nike Temple which once stood on site of these cannons; creating more room where there were none before!

The temple of Athena

3. The temple to Athena is one of the most famous buildings in ancient Greece and it was built during a time when Athens’ power reached its peak. The structure took 9 years to complete but 6 more were spent decorating everything from sculptures on top, down into every detail that makes up who we know today-or did you already know?

 

An orthodox church?

4.In the early centuries of Christianity, Christians converted temples on top of Acropolis into churches. One such temple was dedicated to The Virgin Mary and became known as Panagia church or "The Church Of The Parthenos Maria".

Or a mosque?

5. When the Ottomans conquered Athens in 1460, they transformed parthenon into a mosque.

The world's most perfect building!

6.The Parthenon is often called “the world’s most perfect building.” Architectural tricks like a slight angling of the temple pedestal correct the optical impression that the building sags in the middle, and barrel-like curves on the columns counteract the illusion that they narrow in the middle. So in a way, one might say the Parthenon’s perfection is only achieved through a series of deliberate imperfections.

A symbol of democracy during WW2!

7.It is a Greek tradition to fly the flag on top of Athens' Acropolis, but it has special meaning when you remember that two brave young men took down the enemy's swastika flag there in 1941. They did this using knowledge they had learned about during their studies for history papers which were written with ancient manuscripts from 500 years before!

30.000 sq meters!

8.The Acropolis is one of the most famous buildings in all Greece. Its sheer height, located at an altitude of 492 feet above sea level with a surface area that covers 30 thousand square meters - makes it impossible not to awe-struck when you first lay eyes on this historic site!

What happened to the marbles?

9.Greece has tried very hard to try and regain the Marbles back. The British Museum houses some pieces that were taken by Lord Elgin in 1806, but Greece continues its campaign for restitution at any cost!