'Akropolis' meaning high city is perched on a 150m (490ft) flat-top rock.

In the 5th century BC, empowered by a victory over the Persians, Pericles commissioned a great building program. With ~20 buildings it's the most complete example of an ancient Greek complex.

The Parthenon

A temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin) was also a symbol of power of the unified city-state against its common foe. This prime example of doric architecture is made of white marble and measures 228ft (70m) long by 101ft (31m).

The Erechtheion

North of the Parthenon sits a much smaller temple that is the best example of Ionic architecture. One porch has sculpted maidens (caryatids) as columns. They are now replaced by casts and the original caryatids can be seen in the New Acropolis Museum.

Surviving for nearly 25 centuries, the Acropolis of Athens has adapted through different civilizations and religions. The Parthenon remained intact until 1687 when it was damaged by a Venetian bombardment. This unique complex became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.