Acropolis of Athens

The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting.The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.The word "Acropolis" means city by the edge, and there are many acropolises all over Greece. They were always situated on a high spot, and were often used as a place for shelter and defence against various enemies.


Acropolis of Athens

Despite the unique historical, symbolic and cultural value of the monument, the cultural offense of the brutal removal of the sculptures from the Athenian Acropolis, committed by Elgin in the 19th century, is continued today by the British Museum, who refuse to return the sculptures to Athens.


Acropolis of Athens