The Acropolis

It is our second day in Athens and we get up early, aiming to make it to the Acropolis before the crowds and the heat arrive. We walk from our hotel along Amalias Avenue, pass Adrian's Gate and the Temple of Zeus. We climb through the Southern Slope where the Odean - a Roman theatre sits. It is a beautiful, small theatre which seats 5,000 and where performances are held to this day.

Odean

Up and up we go finally arriving at the top where the Parthenon awaits in all its glory. Acropolis means "city at the top" and what a beautiful sight it presents. The city of Athens spreads all around us, the sea shining in the distance, various temples and ruins scattered about. We pick our way to the back of the Parthenon where much better pictures can be taken in the absence of the scaffolding that obscures much of its facade, past the temple dedicated to Athena where the graceful Caryatids (these are replicas - five of the original statues are being restored at the Acropolis Museum and the sixth one is at the British museum) stand in perpetual vigilance on the South Porch.

Caryatids

Parthenon

Parthenon detail

From above, Hadrian's Gate (centre) and Temple of Zeus.

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