5 Surprising Facts About Athens' Acropolis You Probably Didn't Know

The world known Acropolis of Athens holds some secrets that most people aren’t aware of… Are you curious to learn more? Let’s see 5 lesser known facts from the long and exciting history of the most impressive landmark in Greece.  1. Who could imagine that Socrates, the great Athenian philosopher was among the stonemasons who worked in the construction of this architectural wonder? 2. How much time do you think that it took back then to construct a single column? Well, no less than 19.000 man-hours. In fact, this is the exact amount of time that today would be needed to construct a medium size apartment block. 3. 150 stonemasons and 50 sculptors applied themselves to the creation of the mesmerizing sculptural decoration of the Parthenon. Only 30% were Athenians with the rest of the workmen being 20% slaves and 50% metics (free, non- citizen residents). 4. They say we should not judge a book by its cover. It’s true about all things in life and, quite surprisingly, it is also valid about the Parthenon. No matter how magnificent its metopes, friezes, and pediments are, its most unique sculptural work was inside the temple, the majestic, gold and ivory statue of goddess Athena created by Pheidias. 5. What transformations did the Parthenon undergo during the later centuries? During the Ottoman occupation, the Parthenon was transformed into a mosque and the Erechtheion next to it became a harem. Following the Ottoman period, in the early years of the modern Greek state the first king of Greece, Otto, considered building his palace on the Acropolis hill. Luckily, his father, who was a devoted philhellene and worshipped classical Athens, convinced him to seek other alternative locations. Take the “Acropolis Classic” audio tour and listen to the experts at your own time and pace! Eugenia Manta Clio Muse Tours Facebook Instagram Linkedin