Erechtheion
The Erechthion Temple at the Acropolis of Athens
Among the must-see monuments at the Acropolis of Athens is the Erechtheion, an ancient Greek Ionic temple dedicated primarily to the goddess Athena.
While the Parthenon is the most renowned monument in the Athenian Acropolis, the Erechtheion is actually more sacred.
The Erechtheion was built in the late 5th century B.C. (between 421 B.C. and 406 B.C.) It was designed by Mnesikles, an ancient Greek architect who was active in the mid to late 5th century B.C., the age of Pericles. Mnesikles also designed the Propylaea at the Acropolis.
The Erechtheion was built to replace the Archaios Neos of Athena Polias. The older temple had been damaged in an attack by the Persians a few decades prior.
While it was a temple of worship in ancient Greece, the Erechtheion was used for different purposes over time. It was converted to a Christian church in the Byzantine era, a palace for a bishop during Frankish rule, and a residence for the garrison commanader’s harem during Ottoman rule.
Today the Erechtheion is a popular destination for visitors to the Acropolis of Athens.
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The Architecture of the Erechtheion
There were two chambers in the Erechtheion, one placed lower than the other.
The architecture of the Erechtheion is unique and varies from classical Greek temples because it is asymmetric. This asymmetry is thought partially to be because so many deities were incorporated in one building, and partially because the topography of the site was uneven.
The room on the east was dedicated to Athena and housed a wood statue of the goddess.
The lower west chamber was dedicated to Poseidon-Erechtheus (a mythological king of Athens closely linked to the god Poseidon), Hephaistos (the Greek god of fire and metalwork), and Boutes, the brother of Erechtheus and a priest of Athena and Poseidon.
Sacred Symbols of the Erechtheion
The Erechtheion also housed the sacred symbols of the fight between Athena and Poseidon for dominance over Athens.
There were marks in the rock left by the trident of Poseidon, and a saltwater spring is said to have erupted where he hit the rock.
Athena is said to have gifted an olive tree to the city named after her.
You can still see an olive tree on the side of the Erechtheion, around the corner from the Porch of the Maidens. It’s said to be a descendant of the tree that Athena presented to Athens.
The Caryatids of the Erechtheion
The Erechtheion is a gorgeous structure, with its most renowned architectural feature being the south porch, whose roof is held up not by columns but by the heads of six Caryatids.
The south porch of the Erechtheion is therefore called “the Porch of the Maidens.”
The Caryatids, carved from Pentelic marble, are among the most photographed subjects at the Acropolis of Athens. The statues lost their arms at some point.
While five of the original Kores (ancient Greek sculptures of young females) are in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, the sixth is in the British Museum. It was brought to England by the 7th Earl of Elgin and later bought by the British Museum.
The Caryatids at the present day Erechtheion monument are reproductions.
The Ionic Frieze of the Erechtheion
Other than the Karyatids, the Ionic frieze around the main structure of the Erechtheion and its north porch is architecturally significant. The frieze was decorated with beautifully carved figures of gods and men. The statues were made of white marble from the Greek island of Paros.
The Erechtheion was made from Pentelic marble, a white marble with a lovely golden tinge, and blue Eleusinian limestone was used in the friezes, with metal fasteners used to attach the decorations to the frieze.
The Erechtheion temple must have looked astounding back in the day, considering that its ruins look impressive even today.
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Where is the Erechtheion located?
The Erechtheion is part of the Acropolis archaeological site in Athens. The Erechtheion temple can be found on the north side of the complex.
You can view the location of the Erechtheion visually on our map of the Acropolis of Athens.
Do you need a ticket for the Erechtheion?
The Erechtheion is part of the Acropolis of Athens archaeological site, and a single ticket to the Acropolis allows you to visit all the monuments on the Acropolis Rock, including the Erechtheion.
If you want to see the five original Caryatids, you will need a ticket to the Acropolis Museum as well. The ones on the monument are replicas.
Or you can book a guided tour that combines the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
Best Time to Visit the Erechtheion at the Acropolis of Athens
The Erechtheion is a popular photo site at the Acropolis of Athens.
For the best light, and fewer crowds, plan to visit early or late in the day. Morning offers mellow light, and sunset may bring a backdrop of colorful skies to light up your photos and video.
From mid-morning to mid-afternoon you will deal with crowds, especially in high season, and the light will be harsher, not ideal for photography.
The weather early and late is also likely to be more pleasant for exploring outdoors at monuments like the Erechtheion.
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