The temple of Athena Nike was built in celebration to a victory over Persia. The Athenians believed that Athena directly intervened, allowing them to win. (A habit she had throughout mythology.) So the ancient Athenians built this small structure as a tribute to give thanks to Athena for her help. It is so named because Nike was the (winged) goddess of victory. So literally, the name means Athena's Victory. As you can see, it was built some time after the entrance. If you notice, it was built in the Ionic style when the rest of the entrance was built in the Doric style.

     Another structure of note is the Entrance called the Propylaia. During the 12th century it was adapted to make the palace of the bishop of Athens. The Acropolis' entrance is a complex series of Doric columns that I think make interesting photographs. The processional would go climb through the grand entranceway, on their way to the Parthenon and Erechtheion. Originally there was a ramp which was replaced during the Roman period. The main way in is the Beulé Gate. The Beulé gate was built upon by the Turks to make a bastion. However, the gate dates back to the Roman period. Two towers flanked it, making entrance to the Acropolis difficult (for any vandals or other barbarians). It gets its name from the French archeologist who rediscovered it.

    To the north of the entrance is the Pinakotheke. The Pinakotheke was used to desplay pictures (statues?).

     The remainder of the shots show various views of the Acropolis. It is quite spectacular at night, flooded with multi colored spotlights.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Any comments, please E-mail me, .