Erechtheion, Athens

The famous Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion, with a view over Athens.
Photo Arabella.

Side view with the Caryatid Porch. Photo Jorge Orte Tudela.

Northern view of the Erechtheion; Ionic temple architecture.
Photos by Nick Kocharhook (left) and Jonezes (right).

Ionic column bases at the Erectheion. Photo Jonezes.

A beautiful Ionic capital. Photo Jorge Orte Tudela.

Ionic columns of the main facade. Photo Tim Baker.

Location map and aerial view of Erechtheion. For a larger interactive view, see our Athens Map.

The Erecththeion (or Erechtheum) is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It is notable for a design that is at once elegant and unusual.

Myth and Mystery

According to Greek mythology, the god Hephaestus once tried to rape Athena, the virgin goddess and patron of the city. Unsuccessful, he impregnated the earth instead, resulting in the birth of the demi-god Erichtonios. Raised by Athena, Erichtonios became an early king of Athens and is regarded as the ancestor of all Athenians.

History

The temple as seen today was built between 421 BC and 407 BC, but it is believed to be a replacement for an older temple, since it is on the site of some of the most ancient and holy relics of the Athenians:

the Palladion, which was a xoanon (wooden effigy) of Athena Polias (Protectress of the City) that fell from heaven according to myth
the tomb of Cecrops
the tomb of Erechtheus
the marks of Poseidon's trident and the salt water well (the "salt sea") that resulted from Poseidon's strike, and
the precincts of Herse, Pandrosus and Aglaurus (the three daughters of Cecrops) and of the tribal heroes Pandion and Boutes.

Within the foundations lived the sacred snake of the temple, which represented the spirit of Cecrops and whose well-being was thought essential for the safety of the city. The snake was fed honey-cakes by the priestesses of Athena Polias, who were by custom the women of the ancient family of the Eteoboutadae. The snake's occasional refusal to eat the cakes was thought a disastrous omen.

What to See

The need to preserve multiple adjacent sacred precincts likely explains the complex design. The main structure consists of four compartments, the largest being the east cella, with an Ionic portico on its east end.

On the north side, there is another large porch with columns, and on the south, the famous Caryatid Porch, or "porch of the maidens," with six draped female figures (Caryatids) as supporting columns. One of the Caryatids was removed by Lord Elgin in order to decorate his Scottish mansion and was later sold to the British Museum (along with the pedimental and frieze sculpture plundered from the Parthenon).

Local legend had it that at night the remaining five Caryatids could be heard wailing for their lost sister. Nowadays the five original Caryatids are displayed in helium-filled glass cases in the Acropolis Museum and are replaced in situ by exact replicas.

The entire temple is on a slope, so the west and north sides are about 3 m (9 ft) lower than the south and east sides. The intact Erechtheion was extensively described by Pausanias (1.26.5 - 27.3), but the internal layout has since been obscured by the temple's later use as a church and as a Turkish harem.

Quick Facts

Site Information
Names:	Erechtheion; Erechtheum
Location:	Athens, Attica, Greece
Faith:	Ancient Greek
Dedication:	Athena Polias and Poseidon Erechtheus
Category:	Greek Temples; World Heritage Sites
Architecture:	Greek
Status:	ruins
Photo gallery:	Erechtheion Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Address:	Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Coordinates:	37.972096° N, 23.726456° E (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:	View hotels near this location
Phone:	210/321-0219

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources

Athens Map - our detailed interactive map of Athens, plus hand-picked links to more
Athens Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
Athens Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Athens
Athens Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Athens Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town

Article Sources

Erechtheum - Wikipedia (some text used under GFDL)
The Erechtheion - Loggia Art History
Erechtheion - Perseus Architecture Catalog
The Acropolis: Erechtheion - The Ancient City of Athens (photos)

Last updated on July 30, 2010.