Erechtheion SW

View looking northeast at the southwestern corner of the small temple called the Erechtheion. On the right side of the image is a porch with the six famous Caryatids that support the roof. The modern olive tree on the left (west) side of the image was planted in the spot where in ancient times a sacred olive tree (symbol of Athena) grew.

This building was completed in 406 B.C. and housed shrines of the gods Athena and Poseidon, as well as those of the early kings of Athens Erechtheos (thus the name) and Cecrops.

Throughout the years the building has also served as a church, palace, harem, and a storage area for munitions. The reconstruction of the building was completed in 1987.

For a brief description of the Acropolis Click Here.