On the north side of the Acropolis near the Parthenon is the Erechtheion ancient Greek temple. This outstanding monument is considered the pearl of ancient Greek architecture and one of the main temples of ancient Athens. It was built in the years 421-406 BC and is dedicated to the whole galaxy of gods.

According to legend, the temple was built on the site of a dispute between Athena and Poseidon for dominion over Attica. Erechtheion replaced an ancient temple, which was located on the site, but was destroyed during the Greco-Persian wars. Construction initiated Pericles, although it was completed after his death. Perhaps the architect was the architect Mnesikl, but this fact does not reliably confirmed.

Erechtheion is unique in Greek architecture. Made in the Ionic style, it has an asymmetrical layout is not only due to irregularities of the land on which it is built, but also the diversity of sanctuaries connected to it. Temple had two main entrances - north and east, they were decorated with Ionic porticoes. The eastern part of the Erechtheion was dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the west - and the king Poseidon Erechtheus.

On the south side is the famous portico Pandroseyon, named after the daughter of the king Kekropa pandrosus. Architrave props six marble statues of girls (caryatids) - is the main attraction of the Erechtheion. Today, they are replaced by copies, the originals are in museums. One of the caryatids in the British Museum, and the rest - at the Museum of the Acropolis.

All construction was surrounded by a frieze with false figures, but it has not survived to the present day. Found fragments are stored in the Museum of the Acropolis.

In ancient times in the temple beat salt spring, which according to legend, Poseidon carved out of the rock with his trident, and in the open courtyard of the sacred olive tree grew, donated by the city of Athens. Once in the temple was a wooden statue of Athena, which, according to legend, fell from the sky. The statue was made of the sacred olive tree. The Erechtheum also kept gold Kallimaha work lamp and a statue of Hermes. It also housed the altars of the god Hephaestus and crafts Bout hero.

The name of the temple was in honor of the Athenian king Erechtheus. His grave was under the north portico. And the western facade of the temple can be seen today, and the grave of the first king of Attica Kekropa.

On the interior of the church was significantly almost nothing is known, but one can assume that it was impressed by its grandeur.

Big changes the temple has undergone in the 7th century, when altered in the Christian church. During the Ottoman Empire the temple was used as a harem of the Turkish sultan. The first major restoration of the church was carried out after obtaining the independence of Greece. Today, the Erechtheion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Athens Acropolis.