Overview:

The Porch of the Caryatids is a portico located at the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens. Constructed between 421 and 405 BC, it was originally intended to serve as a shrine for the mythical king Erechtheus. Built of Pentelic marble, the columns feature six standing female figures (caryatids) as architectural supports. Various myths relate to the figures depicted in the elaborate carvings, and their significance to the site of the Erechtheion as a whole. As of 2012, five of the original caryatids are still present, while a replica now stands in place of the original sixth figure. The Porch of the Caryatids is a popular destination for tourists and remains a beloved symbol of the ancient Greek art of architecture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

, the Porch of the Caryatids, also known as the Porch of the Maidens, is one of the most prominent features in Athens. It is found on the south side of the Acropolis and is home to six female sculptures that have become a symbol of the city. The statues date back to the 5th century BC, making them some of the oldest extant sculptures in all of Greece. The caryatids are carved in the Ionic order, have draped clothing, and wear stylized hairstyles. The Erechtheion Almost as famous as the Porch of the Caryatids is the Erechtheion, which can also be found on the Acropolis. This ancient Greek temple was built around 421 BC to house several different gods and goddesses. It has an Ionic style with blocks of marble arranged in an intricate pattern. The most unique feature of the Erechtheion is its unusual porch, which has six columns, known as caryatids, that represent the Athenian maidens. The Parthenon The Parthenon is one of the most significant buildings from ancient Greece and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Located on the Acropolis in Athens, it was dedicated to the goddess Athena and served as a temple of worship. Built in 447 BC, its Doric columns and frieze sculptures make it one of the most distinctive architectural styles of its era. Propylaea The Propylaea is a monumental gateway located at the entrance to the Acropolis. It was constructed around 437 BC using the Ionic order of architecture. The entrance is composed of five different sections, each containing numerous columns that give access to the Acropolis. The Propylaea was designed to be an impressive entrance to the sacred citadel and is an excellent example of the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Porch of the Caryatids, also known as the Porch of the Maidens, is the south porch of the Propylaea, the monumental gate of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was built under the direction of the Athenian general Pericles by the architect Mnesicles in the 5th century BC, at the height of the golden age of the Classical period of Ancient Greece. The south porch consists of six draped female figures, known as caryatids, standing in a row, and supporting the entablature above their heads. Originally, there were nine caryatids, though only six remain due to their decay over time. The figures are thought to represent a procession of young women from the city of Karyai in the Peloponnese, hence the name of the structure. The north porch of the Propylaea consists of statues of Ionic colonettes, thought either to represent goddesses or Karyatids as well. The Porch of the Caryatids, along with the rest of the Propylaea, is in the Doric style. It is made of Pentelic marble, sourced from Marble Mountain near the city of Marathon, and is adorned with terracotta plaques above each of the figures. The structure has been well-preserved, and was never damaged by major wars or earthquakes. In fact, it wasn’t until 1801 that the first major repairs were made, during the modern restoration of the Acropolis. Since then, several additional restoration efforts have been undertaken and the Porch of the Caryatids stands as a symbol of the golden age of Athens. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The elegance of the Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens is one of the most iconic treasures of classical architecture. 2. It was built by the architect Mnesikles between 421 and 405 BCE and is an example of the classic Ionic order. 3. The porch has six impressive female figures known as ‘caryatids’ that serve as supports of the structure. 4. Some of the caryatids have been replaced by replicas due to damage from weathering or pollution. 5. The missing figures, now displayed in the Acropolis Museum, are exact replicas that were created to preserve the aesthetic harmony of the structure. 6. The stylistic influence of the caryatids can be seen in other architecture around the world. 7. They have inspired similar structures in the United States, India, China, and other regions of the world. 8. Fascinatingly, the original caryatids were not left exactly as they were carved by Mnesikles – some were painted in bright colors. 9. It is generally believed that the Erechtheion belonged to the pre-historic queen of Athens, Erechthea. Therefore, the structure, and its famous caryatids, represent the famous matriarchal spirit of the ancient Greeks. 10. They have been immortalized in art, from ancient coins to paintings to photographs. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era