Erechtheion, Athens (must see)

The Erechtheion—a temple with a front-row seat to one of the pettiest godly rivalries in history. Built between 421 and 406 BC, this elegant structure was dedicated to Athena (the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft) and Poseidon (the god of the sea), who once had a dramatic showdown over who would get Athens as their VIP city. Poseidon, ever the dramatic type, slammed his trident into the rock, and—voilà—a saltwater spring appeared. Impressive, but not exactly practical for drinking. Athena, on the other hand, planted an olive tree, which was far more useful for making oil, food, and, let’s be honest, rubbing into everything. The locals made their choice, and Athena took the crown as the city’s patron. Poseidon? Well, let’s just say he didn’t take it well, but they eventually made peace. Allegedly, you can still see where his trident threw a tantrum on the temple’s ground.

The Erechtheion wasn’t just a temple—it was an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the graceful Ionic style. Inside, there were three chambers: one for the sacred olivewood statue of Athena, and the others for Poseidon, presumably as a consolation prize. The temple’s north, east, and south sides were framed by grand porticoes, but the real showstopper? The Porch of the Caryatids, where six elegantly sculpted female figures held up the roof with their heads—because who needs columns when you have ancient supermodels? The ones you see today are replicas; the originals are safely housed in the Acropolis Museum, away from pollution, weather, and pigeon-related hazards.

As history marched on, the Erechtheion saw some... unexpected tenants. In 1463, it was converted into a harem for the Ottoman commander’s wives—probably not what the ancient Greeks had in mind. Later, during the Greek War of Independence, a Turkish shell crashed into it, causing significant damage. Despite all this, the Erechtheion still stands, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for history lovers and architecture buffs alike.

Tip:
Want the full story? A guided tour will give you all the juicy details. Prefer to wander solo? Visit in the morning to beat the heat, and don’t forget to bring water—there’s no ancient vending machine up there!