The most architecturally complex building on the Acropolis, the Erechtheion was built between 421-406 BCE and is famous for its Porch of the Caryatids — six draped female figures serving as columns. The originals are now in the Acropolis Museum; one is in the British Museum.
The Erechtheion stands on the northern edge of the Acropolis plateau in Athens, Greece, immediately north of the Parthenon. Built between 421 and 406 BCE, this Ionic temple served as a sacred enclosure for the most ancient and revered cult objects of Athens: the wooden olive-wood statue of Athena Polias, the trident mark of Poseidon in the bedrock, the tomb of the legendary king Kekrops, and the sacred olive tree. The building's most famous architectural feature is the Porch of the Caryatids (Karyatides) on the south side: six draped female figures approximately 2.3 meters tall that serve as the load-bearing columns supporting the porch entablature. The figures are carved from single blocks of Pentelic marble with exceptional mastery; the weight of the architrave is borne on their heads via stone polos cushion capitals. Five of the six original Caryatids are now preserved in the Acropolis Museum's climate-controlled gallery; one has been in the British Museum since 1801. Replicas stand in their place on the building. The Erechtheion's irregular plan — with porches of different sizes at three different levels — reflects the complex sacred topography it was required to accommodate on uneven terrain. The building is included in the standard Acropolis admission and is visited as part of the main Acropolis circuit. The originals are viewable at eye level in the dedicated Acropolis Museum gallery just 500 meters downhill.
Good to know
- Hours
- 8AM-8PM (Apr-Oct); 9AM-5PM (Nov-Mar)
- Best time
- Morning
- Best for
- history, photography, architecture
Location
Acropolis Hill, Athens
37.9716, 23.7267 View on map
Highlights
- Porch of the Caryatids — six draped marble female figures serving as architectural columns
- Sacred site enclosing the trident mark of Poseidon and the tomb of legendary king Kekrops
- Ionic architecture of exceptional refinement on the Acropolis north side
- Five original Caryatids preserved at eye level in the Acropolis Museum 500 metres away
- Irregular multi-level plan reflecting the complex sacred geography of the northern Acropolis
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Acropolis Museum to see the original Caryatids up close
When to visit
Morning visits (8–9AM) offer the best light on the Caryatid Porch from the south and significantly fewer visitors. The north side of the Acropolis where the Erechtheion stands is slightly shadier and cooler than the Parthenon area in summer.
Accessibility
The Erechtheion is located on the Acropolis plateau, reached via a paved ramp from the south entrance. The plateau surface near the Erechtheion is uneven ancient marble and requires care. The building cannot be entered but is visible from the paved walkways adjacent to it.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Caryatids on the Erechtheion original?
No — five of the six original Caryatids were removed to the Acropolis Museum for preservation; high-quality marble replicas stand in their place. The sixth original Caryatid has been in the British Museum since 1801.
Is there separate admission for the Erechtheion?
No — the Erechtheion is included within the standard Acropolis admission (€20, or the €30 combined ticket). It is part of the main Acropolis site and visited during the overall Acropolis tour.
How long does viewing the Erechtheion take?
The Erechtheion is typically a 20–30 minute stop within the broader Acropolis visit. Visitors interested in architecture may spend longer comparing the building with the Parthenon and examining the Caryatid Porch details.