Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple located on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Greece. It was built between 421 and 406 BC during the Golden Age of Athens, under the direction of the architect Mnesicles, and was dedicated to both the goddess Athena and the god Poseidon.

The temple is a complex structure with several distinct sections, including the Porch of the Caryatids, which is a row of six columns sculpted in the form of female figures, and the north porch, which features six Ionic columns. The temple also contains a shrine to the goddess Athena Polias, a sanctuary to Poseidon, and the tomb of King Erechtheus, a mythical king of Athens.

The Erechtheion is known for its unique and innovative architecture, as it combines several different styles and elements in a single structure. The temple features elements of the Ionic and Doric orders, as well as unusual features like the Caryatids, which are some of the most recognizable and celebrated examples of ancient Greek sculpture.

Today, the Erechtheion is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the cultural and architectural legacy of ancient Greece. It has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the other ancient structures on the Acropolis hill.