Acropolis - Propylaia

... More >

of this portico are six Doric columns which originally supported the pediment. Compared with this imposing entrance the east portico, also with Doric columns but shorter and lower, appears small and modest when seen from the higher part of the Acropolis, subordinating itself to the more important cult buildings.

Adjoining the west portico are other structures, including the Pinakotheke, which contained a collection of paintings. To the west of this is a plinth of the second century B.C. which was later occupied by a monument to Agrippa. On the south side a building similar to the Pinakotheke was planned, but this bold plan had to be modified to take account of the old sanctuary of Athena Nike, and in Mnesikles' hands it became merely a narrow vestibule leading to the temple of Nike.

From the 13th century onwards the Propylaia served as the residence of rulers and military commanders and as defensive fortifications, and were much altered and disfigured. The holes which supported beams bearing intermediate floors can still be seen. The central structure was destroyed between 1640 and 1656 by the explosion of an ammunition store.

A bastion which was later built between the south wing and the platform bearing the temple of Athena Nike was removed in 1836, and the Frankish Tower, built in the 14th century by the Florentine Duke of Athens, Nerio Acciaiuoli, was pulled down by Schliemann in 1875 at his own expense.

Extensive restoration works began in 1909.