June 6
The Athenian Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus and New Acropolis Museum were the sights set for the group to visit today. After waking up with just enough time for food, the group left the hotel. The Acropolis is a sight that people can see throughout most of Athens and I was anticipating going.
We walked through part of Athens, going through the Agora to reach our first stop: the Acropolis. We were able to walk on the Panathenaic Way which was a major road that went from the main city gate to the Acropolis, going through the Agora. Further along the way to the Acropolis, we stopped at the Areopagus as well.
Approaching the Propylaia, which was left unfinished in 432 BCE, was breathtaking. Walking through, it was clear that beyond was sacred to the Ancient Greeks because of how enticing the Doric columns were and how they line the path. Looking to the right, I saw the Temple of Athena Nike, which stood out compared to the other structures on the Acropolis, other than the Propylaia.
When I walked through the entrance, the first thing I noticed was the Parthenon. I was amazed and wished that I was able to go closer to it. Despite the reconstruction process, the Parthenon still looked like a monumental structure that I could not believe I was standing near.
The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens.
I walked around the back and side looking over the city of Athens. The view was phenomenal and I was able to see many more areas which we planned to visit such as the Theatre of Dionysus and the Acropolis Museum. After having walked around the Parthenon, I saw the Temple of Athena Nike again which could be seen from another angle.
On the opposite side of the Acropolis was the Erechtheion, which was lower than the ground level, I noticed. The Erechtheion was built from 421 – 406 BCE and was the last of the building projects that Pericles initiated. Outside the Erectheion was an olive tree, sacred to Athena and her gift to the Athenians.
Overall, the visit on the Acropolis was rewarding and it was amazing to see structures that I have studied in real life. Imagining the Ancient Athenians there while being on the Acropolis myself was also interesting to think about. The group then descended to view the Theatre of Dionysus.
We walked around the Acropolis and saw the Theatre. The seats were available so we decided to sit on them. We walked further along the side of the Acropolis examining the objects, before separating for lunch.
I met up with some of the group to look at Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus before we went to the Acropolis Museum.
At the museum, I noticed the site below the museum which was found during the construction of the new museum. We were free to explore the museum at our leisure which gave me time to read information that I wished to see. What was most exciting to see was that which we had discussed in class before travelling to Greece. We met on the top floor to discuss the pediments and friezes on the Parthenon before leaving for the hotel.
The day was fun and I learned much by visiting the sites and museum. The highlight for me was certainly the Acropolis. I want to return to it before I go back to Canada and experience the views again.
Have you been to the Acropolis? If so what was your favourite structure there? If you have not been, what would you like to see on the Acropolis most? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments!
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