The Propylaea / Propylaia @ The Acropolis in Athens, Greece (Thu 21 June 2007)
The Propylaea / Propylaia is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens, serving as a grand entrance to the sacred site. Built between 437 and 432 BC during the Periklean Building Program, it was designed by the architect Mnesikles. Though intended to be a lavish structure, the Peloponnesian War interrupted construction, leaving the Propylaea unfinished.
Propylea - La Acrópolis de Atenas
Here's a more detailed look:
Purpose:
The Propylaea was designed to be the ceremonial entrance to the Acropolis, a place of great religious and historical significance.
Location:
It was built on the western side of the Acropolis, replacing an earlier, smaller gate.
Architecture:
The Propylaea features a central, Doric-style building with a colonnaded facade, flanked by two wings. The north wing, known as the Pinakotheke, served as an art gallery and banqueting hall.
Materials:
It was constructed primarily from Pentelic marble, with accents of gray Eleusinian marble or limestone.
Construction:
Construction began after the Parthenon was well underway but was halted due to the Peloponnesian War.
Significance:
The Propylaea is not only architecturally significant but also marks the boundary of the sacred space of the Acropolis. It was also designed to offer visitors a striking first view of the Parthenon.
https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/other-monuments-periklean-building-programme/propylaia
https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr