The Erechtheion Temple

About the Erechtheion

Nestled atop the ancient Acropolis of Athens, the Erechtheion temple stands as an eternal testament to the unparalleled artistry and architectural prowess of classical Greece. Constructed in the latter half of the 5th century BCE during the Golden Age of Athens, the iconic temple is enshrouded in myth, history and legend.

Deviating from the traditional, symmetrical layout of temples, the Erechtheion is dedicated to multiple deities, reflecting the diverse and complex religious beliefs of ancient Greece. Among the sacred sites within the temple is the shrine of Athena Polias, the divine protector of Athens, as well as the mythical tomb of Erechtheus, the city’s legendary founder. Read more about the architecture and history of the Erechtheion here.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the Erechtheion is its enigmatic Caryatids – six graceful, larger-than-life female statues that effortlessly bear the weight of the temple’s southern porch. The delicate interplay of light and shadow breathes life into these figures, as they eternally stand guard over the temple’s hallowed grounds.

Interesting facts

Why is it called Erechtheion?

The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum) temple is named after Erechtheus, the mythical hero and king of Athens who founded the city. In Homer’s epic poems, Erechtheus was the son of Hephaestus and Gaia, who grew up in the then temple of Athena on the Acropolis.

According to Greek mythology, it was Erechtheus who named Athens after the goddess Athena and renamed its inhabitants “Athenians”, who until then were called “Kekropides” (or Cecropides). Immediately afterwards, he founded a temple dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and introduced her worship in Attica, which culminated in the annual Panathenaea festival.

As the mythical founder of Athens, Erechtheus was a highly revered personality, with his accomplishments inspiring artists, poets and dramatists in antiquity. The ancient hero-king was believed to have been buried beneath the foundations of the Erechtheion temple, in the northwestern corner.

Why is there an olive tree?

In Greek mythology, the goddess of wisdom Athena and the god of the seas Poseidon both vied for the patronage of the city that was to become Athens. Zeus feared a conflict breaking out between the two Olympian gods, so it was decided that each would offer a gift to the Athenians, who would make the ultimate choice.

Poseidon went first, with the god of the seas striking his trident on the Acropolis hill and water gushing out of the earth. The water, however, was salty and the Athenians were not impressed, since the city already had access to rivers and the sea.

Athena followed by planting a seed in the ground and within moments, a glorious olive tree spurted out of the earth. Without hesitation, the people chose Athena’s offering, for its timber and fruit. The olive tree is planted in the same spot where Athena is said to be presented her gift to the Athenians.

FAQs and tips

Is the Erechtheion open to the public?

Yes, the Erechtheion is open for visitors, as is the rest of the Acropolis. You can check the opening times of the Acropolis here.

Where is the Erechtheion?

The Erechtheion is located on the north side of the Acropolis hill in Athens, behind the Old Temple of Athena.

Can you enter the Erechtheion?

No, access to the interior of the Erechtheion temple is currently restricted in order to preserve the structure and artifacts within. Visitors are allowed to approach the entrance of the temple and explore the exterior, including the Porch of the Maidens and other features, such as the olive tree and well associated with Athena and Poseidon.

This, however, will change in the future since the Central Archaeological Council has approved a study for the construction of a special floor consisting of white marble stones. Once this has been completed, the public will be able to enter and explore the Erechtheion's interior.

What is the Erechtheion temple?

The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis that was dedicated to Athena and Erechtheus, the city's divine protector and founder respectively. Constructed between 421 and 406 BC, the temple is renowned for its unique layout and intricate Ionic design, which distinguishes it from the predominantly Doric style of the Parthenon, its famous neighbor.

The Erechtheion's most famous feature is the Porch of the Caryatids, where six statuesque female figures, known as Caryatids, support the temple's entablature. You can read more in our blog post on the Erechtheion’s fascinating history and architecture.

When was the Erechtheion built?

The construction of the Erechtheion began in 421 BC and were put on hold in 413 BC due to the collapse of the Athenian expedition in Sicily. The construction works resumed about 4 or 5 years later and the temple was completed in 406 BC. You can learn more about the construction of the Erechtheion in our blog post.

Who designed the Erechtheion?

The architect Mnesicles from Athens is credited with designing the Erechtheion, while the temple sculptures were the work of Phidias, who also decorated the Parthenon. You can read more on the design consideration of the Erechtheion in our blog post.

What is the architectural style of the Erechtheion?

The Erechtheion was built in the Ionic style, contrary to the symmetrical and mainly Doric style of the Parthenon. The Ionic style developed in the Greek cities of Asia Minor, while the Doric style developed in the western Greek world and the Peloponnese. Athenians considered themselves to be at the crossroads of these two worlds, which was reflected in the variety of styles on the Acropolis. Our blog post on the Erechtheion further details the intricacies and unique characteristics of the temple.

What are the Caryatids?

The Caryatids, found on the porch of the southern section of the temple, are sculpted female figures which supported the temple’s architrave. They are thought to represent maidens from the Karyes in Laconia and were likely made to memorialize the tomb of the mythological half-serpent king of Attica, Cecrops (or Kekrops). Learn more about their significance in our blog post on the history and design of the Erechtheion.

Where are the Caryatids?

The Caryatids currently at the Erechtheion are replicas of the originals. One of the Caryatids was controversially removed by Lord Elgin prior to the Greek War of Independence and is currently on display at the British Museum. The remaining five were replaced with copies in 1978 for protection and restoration, and are currently displayed at the Acropolis Museum.