Propylaea
The Propylaea at the Acropolis of Athens
The Propylaea, located atop the Acropolis hill in Athens, Greece, served as the ceremonial gateway into the Acropolis of Athens in ancient times.
A monumental structure held up by Doric columns, the Propylaea was built between 437 B.C. and 432 B.C., under the aegis of Pericles in what is known as the Golden Age of Athens.
The Propylaea was designed by the architect Mnesikles, who also designed the Erechtheion at the Athenian Acropolis. It was never actually fully completed.
Propylaea, also sometimes spelled as Propylaia, translates to “that which is before the gates.”
Over ensuing years, the Propylaea, or parts thereof, have served as a chapel, a church, a fortified residence, a palace, and a battery site! After the Greeks gained independence, all additions and alterations were removed to restore the site to its classical form.
Today, if you use the main entrance to enter the Acropolis, you will enter through the Propylaea.
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Architecture of the Propylaea
Mnesikles originally meant for the Propylaea to include five halls, including a main central one for use as a processional entryway.
However, only the central hall, the north-east hall, and a modified version of the south-east hall were eventually completed. In the year 432 B.C., the project was abandoned.
The central hall, the main portion of the Propylaea, had inner and outer facades, supported by Doric columns. Between the facades was a wall, with five doors.
Because of the sloping terrain, the east portico of the central hall was placed higher than the west, and the central hall was placed higher than the two secondary halls that were completed.
The structure is built mainly of Pentelic marble. Several centuries later, a staircase of Pentelic marble was installed.
The Propylaea featured no form of decoration such as sculptures.
The chamber in the northeast hall, known as the Pinakotheke, was used to display paintings.
Where is the Propylaea located?
The Propylaea can be found at the western entrance of the Acropolis of Athens, to the left of the Temple of Athena Nike as you approach.
If you enter the complex from the main entrance, you will pass through the Propylaea to get to the Parthenon and other monuments at the top of the Acropolis hill.
Do you need a ticket for the Propylaea?
The Propylaea is part of the hilltop 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 Propylaea.
Planning a trip to the historic hilltop archaeological site? Bookmark our Acropolis Athens website for the complete rundown on visiting the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum!
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