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Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is an Ionic temple of irregular plan on the north side of the Acropolis, built between 421 and 406 BC. The architect is not known for certain; it has been attributed to Mnesicles. It housed the cults of Athena Polias, Erechtheus and Poseidon. Its best-known feature is the Porch of the Caryatids, on the south side, where six sculpted female figures act as supports in place of columns, something unique among Ionic temples. The originals are now in the Acropolis Museum; copies stand on site, and one of the six originals is in the British Museum. The taller north porch preserves its coffered ceiling. Next to the west chamber was the enclosure of the sacred olive tree. It was rebuilt between 1837 and 1840 under Pittakis and restored later in 1902-1909 and by the Acropolis Restoration Service.

Things to do at Erechtheion: 3 missions

• Find the olive tree by the west sideWalk round the temple to the west side and find the olive tree planted next to the west chamber, a reminder of Athena's sacred tree.
• Count the six Caryatids of the south porchGo to the south side of the temple and count the female figures that hold up the porch roof. Notice that their folds and hairstyles are not identical.
• Look at the coffered ceiling of the north porchGo up to the north porch, the one with the tall Ionic columns, and look up from below at the coffered ceiling.

Near Erechtheion

Source: Web oficial - Ministerio de Cultura (Acrópolis de Atenas)