Parthenon, Athens (must see)

Perched atop the Acropolis, overlooking the city of Athens, the ancient temple of Parthenon is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of classical architecture in the world. Built in the 5th century BC under the leadership of the Athenian statesman Pericles, this temple replaced an older sanctuary dedicated to the city's patron deity, Athena. Covered in ivory and gold, the 12-meter statue of the goddess of wisdom and warfare—"Athena Parthenos"—took center stage.

At that time, Athens was at the height of its power and influence, particularly after its victory in the Persian Wars and the establishment of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states. The temple's construction was not just a religious endeavor but also a political statement, symbolizing the city's wealth, cultural achievements, and its leadership in promoting democracy and the arts.

A prime example of Doric architecture, the structure was built using high-quality Pentelic marble. In the 5th century AD, it was converted into a church, and later, under Turkish rule, into a mosque. In 1687, during the Venetian siege of the Acropolis, the temple suffered substantial damage from bombardment. Further harm occurred in the early 19th century, when Lord Elgin looted much of its sculptural decoration, currently displayed at the British Museum.

Despite these adversities, the Parthenon endures as one of Greece's most significant surviving architectural monuments and, over the years, has been a source of inspiration for many public buildings worldwide. Originally constructed as a testament to the glory of ancient Athens, it still serves as the city's emblem.

Tips:
Plan your visit to the Acropolis early in the morning to avoid long queues.
The site has two entrance gates; make sure you enter and exit via different gates so as to fully explore the site.
To save money, consider purchasing a combined ticket that covers entry to other attractions too, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora of Athens.