Greek architects created the first three and hugely influenced the latter two which were composites rather than genuine innovations. Athens, with its tall buildings and contemporary shops, is the first European city when approached from the Middle East. The most noteworthy result of Pericles’ public-works campaign was the magnificent Parthenon, a temple in honor of the city’s patron goddess Athena. Its streets saw the Ottoman cavalry, Nazi jackboots, the tanks of the military junta; it witnessed occupation and freedom, blood and fire, destruction and rebirth. Ancient Greek Architecture facts. Dirt roads evolved to avenues and the capital underwent Ovidian metamorphoses. Athens central streets host some of the most beautiful 18th and 19th-century buildings of neoclassical architecture like the National Library and the Academy. The architects Iktinos and Kallikrates and the sculptor Phidias began work on the temple in the middle of the 5th century B.C. During the Peloponnesian war between Athens and Sparta, the back wall was created in two stories high at the end of 5th century BC. The city covers a total area of 412 square kilometers (159 square miles). The most famous temple of Ancient Greece is the Parthenon located on the Acropolis in the city of Athens. Athens was the center of ancient Greek theatre, a city embellished with open-air structures constructed on the sloping hillsides. Where to stay? has evolved a lot over the years but still, you can see some influence of the ancient Greek style of artwork in works of many modern artists. Classical Architecture. Thanks to the rapid advancement in the field of archaeology and monument preservations, most of the historical edifices of Athens are very well preserved even to this day. It is located in Central Greece in the southern part of the region of Attica. Athens Facts and Trivia. As you wander its alleys, parks, squares and avenues, observe the eclectic mix of architecture; remember that this was a city that has reinvented itself many times over. The origins of Athens date back to 3000BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. #28 of 220 Sights & Landmarks in Athens "It is very clean station equipped with many passengers’ facilities, but its most interesting feature is the collection of artifacts and archeological findings on display all over the station." In 1687 AD, the Venetians troops besieged the Turks who were in the Parthenon with a bomb that destroyed a great part of the Greek masterpiece. In this survey, we propose you to enjoy a virtual 3D flight over the iconic Athens architecture monuments - Parthenon, Erechtheion, Cathedral of Athens, Arch of Hadrian, Temple of Olympian Zeus, National Historical Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Lycabettus Theater. There are five orders of classical architecture - Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite - all named as such in later Roman times. Started in 447 BCE, it took nine years for the structure to be completed and an additional six to finish all of the decorative elements. "There were skeletons in the wall, entombed in the earth behind the glass, cemetery stones, and other artifacts." Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! From the late-19th century to the 1990s, the sidewalks of downtown Athens used to be paved with marble. Blending architectural gems from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods as well as modern architectural styles including neoclassical and post-modern, here are the five most impressive buildings in Athens. The challenges of modern Athens have befuddled architects looking to create a future for the city. It had 46 outer columns each 6 feet in diameter and 34 feet tall. 10 facts about Athens 10 things you never knew about the Greek capital Gallery. Facts about Ancient Greek Theatre 8: the scenic elements. It was built by King Attalos II of Pergamon who ruled between 159 BC and 138 BC. Discover the richness and diversity of Athens architecture from an unusual point of view. Located on the north of Syntagma square, this building has three floors which were destroyed in the fire in the year 1909. In ancient Rome, if someone had a big nose, the artist would give him a big nose in the painting or sculpture. In Athens, visitors can also view a sample of Cycladic architecture in the small alley of Anafiotika, above Plaka. This was because Sultan Mehmed II rode into Athens and was so amazed at the ancient architecture in the city that he forbade his forces from looting on the pain of death. What usually comes to mind are the amazing temples built by this ancient civilization 228 feet by feet. 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