The Propylaea.
Before you can enter the sacred precincts of the Acropolis you have to go through the Propylaea. An impressive flight of stairs takes you to this building which was also an exhibition of sculptures and paintings in earlier days. Here the Atheneans gathered and discussed politics, philosophy and other matters in their loved city.

The temple of Nike.
The diminutive temple of Athena Nike, the winged goddess of Victory, stands southwest of the Propylaea, on a rebuilt Mycenaean fortification. The temple is small compared to the other buildings, but that does not decrease its refinement. It is the only wholly Ionic building on the Acropolis which accentuates the beauty of a triumph in war.

The statue of Pallas Athena.
The immense and axtravagantly rich statue of the goddess Pallas Athena stood in the centre of the Acropolis and immedeatly showed to who this sacred rock was dedicated. Tradition has it that sailers focused on the gold on the statue, which was flickering like Helios in the sunlight, when their destination was Athens.

The Erechteum.
The Erechteum looks complicated and traditional at first, but striking innovations were added by its unknown architect. One can not miss the porch of Caryatids which is a highlight in Greek construction. Female figures replace the more traditional columns and give the building a refinement and subtlety which is very rare in antiquity.

The Parthenon.
The most impressive and characteristic building on the Acropolis is dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens: Pallas Athena. The Persians destroyed the first Parthenon while it was being constructed, but under Pericles it was rebuild and became the jewel of the Acropolis. With both Doric and Ionic aspects it is a perfect balace of power and refinement.