Erechtheion
Erechtheion
4.5
About
The second largest temple on the Acropolis has a complex and unique structure, including its famous Porch of the Caraytis with statues of six graceful maidens on the south side and a four-pillared porch with six Ionic columns on the north side.
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- Akropoli • 2 min walk
- Monastiraki • 6 min walk
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- GculbertsonHarrodsburg, Kentucky2 contributionsAthens - wear comfy shoesAthens is an enormous city, filled with archaeological ruins. Some ruins are easily accessible while the Acropolis, specifically, can be very challenging for someone in less than optimal shape. Certain walking/climbing areas are more treacherous than expected and the marble, which is everywhere, can be very slippery, even when dry. Hence, a good and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. You’ll potentially stand in line for over an hour to even begin the climb, in hot weather, and you should be prepared for that. I would recommend a hat and a sweat towel; you’ll need both. The ruins are undergoing a layered reconstruction, with some scaffolding in place, but this does not diminish the overall experience. There will be many, many visitors at the Acropolis, so, bring your patience, kindness and understanding. This is an internationally popular site to visit, which means you’ll experience a huge variety of languages. Many, or most, understand rudimentary English, but just remember that a smile is internationally recognized.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2023
- RazorfishLittle Rock, Arkansas3,866 contributionsPorch of the Caryatids at ErechtheionThe Erechtheion is the second largest temple on the Acropolis. It consists the Porch of the Caryatids with statutes of six maidens on one side and Ionic columns on the other side. It is not as crowded as the area around the Pantheon. There are great views of the city.Visited October 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 September 2023
- Jason SMelbourne, Australia1,693 contributionsAnother highlight in AcropolisAnother amazing Temple to visit in the Acropolis complex, Erechtheion is located on the north side and is really good to see. Mainly intact with 6 women statues on the wall that separates this temple from others. Certainly, one of the top attractions to see in Athens and Acropolis complex.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 27 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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GAR
243 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Personally, I think this is the most interesting ancient sight I saw in Greece. The statues are replicas as the originals have been moved to the Acropolis Museum to prevent them eroding further
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,567 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
After the Parthenon, the Erechtheion is the next most popular sight on the Acropolis.
It houses shrines to a number of different gods, including Athena, Zeus and Poseidon but it is most famous for the strikingly beautiful ‘Porch of the Maidens’ which features a set of graceful caryatids. These six figures may look like elegant, poised women but they are not just pretty faces. They function as columns and serve the very practical purpose of holding up the roof of the south porch.
Each one stands with one leg slightly bent so that the folds of her robes flow easily. They all wear a loosely draped robe, pinned to the shoulders and caught in at the waist and show no sign at all of carrying the weight of the roof on their heads.
You can only see the caryatids at a distance which is a shame but you can see the originals close-up at the Acropolis Museum. The originals look amazing because they have been recently cleaned using a pulse laser ablation system (a short video at the museum explains how this is done). Only 5 caryatids are on display. A gaping space represents the missing one which was taken by Lord Elgin and remains in the British Museum.
You’ll see the Erechtheion on your left almost as you walk through the Propylaea gateway and enter the main Acropolis site.
TICKET TIP: I’d highly recommend buying the combo ticket. At €30, it is excellent value. It lasts for 5 days and includes entry to 7 ancient sites. Entry to the Acropolis on its own is €20 so if it is your first time to Athens, it makes sense to buy this ticket (unless you’re here in winter when many sites are half price).
It houses shrines to a number of different gods, including Athena, Zeus and Poseidon but it is most famous for the strikingly beautiful ‘Porch of the Maidens’ which features a set of graceful caryatids. These six figures may look like elegant, poised women but they are not just pretty faces. They function as columns and serve the very practical purpose of holding up the roof of the south porch.
Each one stands with one leg slightly bent so that the folds of her robes flow easily. They all wear a loosely draped robe, pinned to the shoulders and caught in at the waist and show no sign at all of carrying the weight of the roof on their heads.
You can only see the caryatids at a distance which is a shame but you can see the originals close-up at the Acropolis Museum. The originals look amazing because they have been recently cleaned using a pulse laser ablation system (a short video at the museum explains how this is done). Only 5 caryatids are on display. A gaping space represents the missing one which was taken by Lord Elgin and remains in the British Museum.
You’ll see the Erechtheion on your left almost as you walk through the Propylaea gateway and enter the main Acropolis site.
TICKET TIP: I’d highly recommend buying the combo ticket. At €30, it is excellent value. It lasts for 5 days and includes entry to 7 ancient sites. Entry to the Acropolis on its own is €20 so if it is your first time to Athens, it makes sense to buy this ticket (unless you’re here in winter when many sites are half price).
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
Hampstead Norreys, UK871 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The temple has been a few things throughout history, it has been added and amended by succesive groups. The statues of the Caryratids are not original but go to the Acropolis museum to see them. Amazing.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rr177
Waterbury, CT765 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Located on the Acropolis, next to the Parthenon, this temple is pretty well preserved considering its age. The status are replicated since the originals are in the British Museum
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beth ann k
Halstead, KS1,793 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This was actually my favorite structure at the Acropolis with the "ladies" mosty still intact. It was the religious center also.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali921
Edinburgh, UK1,502 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
It's alongside the Parthenon. Be prepared to fight through all the people who are taking it in turns to take a selfie (because that is more important than the structure itself ?). Have to have a guide or read up to understand its importance.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia1,693 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Another amazing Temple to visit in the Acropolis complex, Erechtheion is located on the north side and is really good to see.
Mainly intact with 6 women statues on the wall that separates this temple from others.
Certainly, one of the top attractions to see in Athens and Acropolis complex.
Mainly intact with 6 women statues on the wall that separates this temple from others.
Certainly, one of the top attractions to see in Athens and Acropolis complex.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elchaco
Houston, TX843 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This amazing temple symbolizing the battle between Athena and Poseidon was one of my favorites. The detailed columns, the hole in the roof, and the olive tree add to the amazing history behind this temple.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR3,866 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The Erechtheion is the second largest temple on the Acropolis. It consists the Porch of the Caryatids with statutes of six maidens on one side and Ionic columns on the other side. It is not as crowded as the area around the Pantheon. There are great views of the city.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurers049
Brisbane, Australia3,393 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is a temple on the Acropolis on the northern side.
It is a lovely temple that was dedicated to the goddess Athena.
You can see it from the outside only.
It is a lovely temple that was dedicated to the goddess Athena.
You can see it from the outside only.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mireyyya y
Rosh Haayin, Israel8 contributions
actividades en dias de lluvia
EH6695
Munich, Germany6,855 contributions
Mit Schirm geht alles oder in die verschiedenen Museen.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Erechtheion
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