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The Propylaia, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis sanctuary, designed by the architect Mnesikles, was erected between 437 and 431 BC on the site of an earlier gate. It was never completed, however, as construction stopped on the eve of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC.

The Propylaea, also spelled Propylaia, is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It serves as a grand entrance to the sacred space, marking the boundary between the profane and the sacred. Built between 437 and 432 BC, it was part of Pericles' ambitious building program following the Persian Wars. The architect, Mnesicles, designed a structure that was both functional and aesthetically impressive, though it was ultimately left unfinished due to the Peloponnesian War.
Key Features of the Propylaea:
Doric and Ionic Columns:
The Propylaea features a combination of Doric and Ionic architectural styles, with Doric columns on the exterior and Ionic columns within the central passageway.
Pinakotheke:
The north wing, known as the Pinakotheke, was originally a banquet hall and later became a gallery for paintings and frescoes, including works by Polygnotus.
Central Passageway:
The central opening of the Propylaea was designed to accommodate the Panathenaic procession, a major religious festival, with a wider central doorway.
Pentelic Marble:
The Propylaea was constructed primarily from Pentelic marble, the same material used for the Parthenon, with accents of gray Eleusinian marble or limestone.
Unfinished State:
The Propylaea was never fully completed, with notable unfinished features including the NE wall and parts of the marble roof.
Historical Significance:
The Propylaea is a testament to Athenian architectural prowess and a symbol of the city's power and cultural achievements in the 5th century BC.
Architectural and Historical Context:
Pericles' Building Program:
The Propylaea was a key component of Pericles' plan to rebuild and beautify the Acropolis after the Persian Wars, aiming to showcase Athens's wealth and artistic achievements.

Mnesicles' Vision: Mnesicles' design for the Propylaea was ambitious and innovative, pushing the boundaries of Greek architecture with its scale, complexity, and use of materials.

Influence of the Peloponnesian War: The Peloponnesian War brought construction to a halt, leaving the Propylaea in an incomplete state, which is still visible today.

Symbol of Athens: The Propylaea, along with the other monuments of the Acropolis, remains a powerful symbol of Athenian civilization, democracy, and artistic achievement.

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/other-monuments-periklean-building-programme/propylaia