The Parthenon through the years invites you on a journey through space and time, and captivates you with the wealth of stories about Phidias, Pericles, Evliya Çelebi, Morosini, Lord Elgin, and King Otto. Each and every one of them defined how we see the temple and left their mark on the buildings stones and sculptures.
The Parthenon is endowed with architectural and sculptural wonders that impress the visitor; but nothing can compare to the fascinating stories associated with the temple and the people who built it, used it, and abused it. This tour presents the Parthenon through a tour of downtown Athens and offers a comprehensive storyline of its turbulent past.
Marvel at the never-fading beauty of the immortal gods of Mount Olympus who serenely observe you (and the ancient Athenians) from the frieze at the Acropolis Museum. Look up towards the Parthenon and remember the wonder felt by the Muslim traveler who saw before him the most magnificent mosque in the world. Stand on the top of Philopappos Hill and imagine the noise and smoke from the Venetian cannons that blew up the Parthenon. Stroll through Monastiraki and ponder whether the clock donated to the Athenians by Lord Elgin and erected in the middle of Hadrians Library was an adequate compensation for the brutal removal of the Parthenon marbles. Finally, enjoy the view of the Acropolis from the Greek Parliament and feel the excitement of the first king of Greece, Otto, as he surveyed the Parthenon daily from his palace.
To take this self-guided tour you will need the app on your iOS or Android device.
HIGHLIGHTS
- In the east frieze witness the delivery of the peplos to clothe the statue of Athena. You are in good company; the gods of Olympus are also here.
- Look at the block of the frieze created by the master sculptor Pheidias himself, depicting Theseus trying to restrain his runaway mount.
- Hear the distant echo of the thunderbolt that struck the Propylaea and killed the Ottoman commander as he was about to bombard the lower city.
- Explore the damage left behind by the saws of Lord Elgin as he tried to remove the unwieldy sculptures and frieze blocks from the Parthenon.
- See the Parthenon and try to imagine what the Acropolis would look like if King Ottos plans to build his palace here had come to fruition.