About

Built between 447 and 432 BC, it is considered a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture and is dedicated to the goddess Athena, who was the patron deity of Athens. The temple was designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with the sculptural decoration overseen by Phidias. The Parthenon is renowned for its elegant proportions and intricate Doric style of architecture. It features eight fluted columns on the facade, while the sides have seventeen columns each. The temple is notable for its metopes, frieze, and pediments, which depicted various mythological scenes and events. Many of the marble sculptures from the Parthenon, including the famous Elgin Marbles, are now housed in the British Museum in London. Over the centuries, the Parthenon has undergone damage due to natural disasters, wars, and human activities. In the 5th century AD, it was converted into a Christian church, and later, during the Ottoman rule, it was transformed into a mosque. In 1687, the temple suffered extensive damage when it was used as a gunpowder magazine and exploded during a siege. In recent times, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the Parthenon. The most significant ongoing issue surrounding the temple is the long-standing dispute over the ownership and repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles, which are claimed by both Greece and the British Museum. Despite its tumultuous history, the Parthenon remains an iconic symbol of ancient Greek civilization and continues to attract millions of visitors each year.