Erechtheion, Athens

Name: Erechtheion
Address: Ακρόπολη Αθηνών, Athens, Greece
Telephone: +30 21 0321 4172

#23 among attractions in Athens

Unesco, Ancient Greek architecture, Archaeological site, Monuments and statues, More...

Gallery (19)

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Hiàn (alt) / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / GeorgeKokkos / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Thesupermat2 / URL

Facts and practical information

The Erechtheion is a revered architectural marvel situated on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. This ancient temple, constructed from 421 to 406 BCE, stands as a testament to the religious and cultural significance of the city during its classical period. Unlike other temples of its era, the Erechtheion is unique for its complex design and asymmetrical layout, reflecting the irregular terrain on which it was built.

This archaeological site is dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, featuring various sections that honored multiple deities, heroes, and mythical kings of Athens. The temple is most famous for its Caryatids, the six draped female figures serving as architectural supports for the south porch. These statues are masterpieces of classical sculpture, although the ones currently on site are replicas, with the originals preserved in the Acropolis Museum to protect them from environmental damage.

The Erechtheion is characterized by its Ionic order, with elegant columns and finely crafted details. Its multifunctional nature is evident in the multiple altars and sanctuaries, including the sacred olive tree of Athena and the supposed mark of Poseidon's trident on the rock.

Local name: Ερέχθειο Completed: 406 B.C.E.Unesco: from 1987Architectural style: Ionic order, Ancient Greek architectureCoordinates: 37°58'20"N, 23°43'35"E

Address

Ακρόπολη ΑθηνώνΑθήνα 1 (Ακρόπολης)Athens Greece

Contact

+30 21 0321 4172

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Day trips

Erechtheion – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

~140 ftS
5th-century B.C. hilltop temple monument
Acropolis, Athens
1 min walk • Perched atop the rocky outcrop of Athens, the Acropolis stands as a monumental testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. This iconic citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an enduring symbol of the city and represents the apogee of classical...
~230 ftS
Iconic 5th BC Athenian temple ruins
Parthenon, Athens
2 min walk • The Parthenon stands as the quintessential symbol of ancient Greece and a testament to classical Greek architecture. Nestled atop the Acropolis in the heart of Athens, this temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city's patron deity.
~510 ftSW
Ionic temple depicting a Greek goddess
Temple of Athena Nike, Athens
3 min walk • Perched on the rocky outcrop of the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Athena Nike epitomizes the splendor of ancient Greek architecture. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike, stands as an enduring tribute to the victory and might of the Athenian empire.
~720 ftSW
Ancient stone theater with performances
Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens
4 min walk • The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, nestled at the base of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, stands as a remarkable testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek theatre. Built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Regilla, this stone theatre epitomizes the...
~490 ftSE
Memorial
Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos, Athens
3 min walk • Perched on the south slope of the Acropolis in Athens, the Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece. This prominent structure was erected in 320-319 BCE by Thrasyllos, a wealthy Athenian citizen, to commemorate a...
~450 ftS
Memorial
Asklepieion of Athens, Athens
3 min walk • Nestled amidst the historic city of Athens, Greece, the Asklepieion of Athens stands as a testament to the ancient world's dedication to health and healing. This sanctuary, dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios, served as a therapeutic and religious center in...
~430 ftW
, Archaeological site, Historical place
Propylaea, Athens
3 min walk • The Propylaea stands as a monumental gateway at the western entrance of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. This grand structure, designed by the architect Mnesicles, was constructed between 437 and 432 BCE during the golden age of Athens under the leadership of Pericles.
~480 ftW
Archaeological site
Pedestal of Agrippa, Athens
3 min walk • The Pedestal of Agrippa stands as a testament to ancient history in the heart of Athens, Greece. This historical landmark, once a monument celebrating the victories of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, is a significant relic located on the famous Acropolis of Athens.
~460 ftW
Memorial
Klepsydra, Athens
3 min walk • Nestled on the southern slopes of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, the Klepsydra, also known as the Water Clock of the Acropolis, is an ancient timekeeping device that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of classical civilizations.
~260 ftE
Memorial
Peripatos, Athens
2 min walk • Nestled on the historic slopes of Athens' Acropolis, the Peripatos is a lesser-known treasure that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient world. This ancient pathway, whose origins date back to classical times, snakes around the base of the Acropolis...
~250 ftSW
Monuments and statues
Athena Promachos, Athens
2 min walk • The Athena Promachos was a colossal bronze statue of Athena sculpted by Pheidias, which stood between the Propylaea and the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens. Athena was the tutelary deity of Athens and the goddess of wisdom and warriors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Erechtheion?

Nearby attractions include Altar of Athena Polias, Athens (1 min walk), Acropolis, Athens (1 min walk), Arrephorion, Athens (1 min walk), Parthenon, Athens (2 min walk).

How to get to Erechtheion by public transport?

The nearest stations to Erechtheion:

Metro

Akropoli • Lines: Μ2 (8 min walk)
Monastiraki • Lines: Μ1, Μ3 (8 min walk)

Bus

Μητροπολη • Lines: 025 (9 min walk)
Μοναστηρακι • Lines: 025, 026, 027, 035, 227, 500 (9 min walk)

Trolleybus

Άγιος Ιωάννης • Lines: 1, 15, 5 (10 min walk)
Αγιοσ Ιωαννησ • Lines: 1, 15, 5 (10 min walk)

Tram

Βουλιαγμένης • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (12 min walk)
Syntagma • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (13 min walk)

Train

Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Lower Station (29 min walk)
Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Top Station (30 min walk)