The Pandroseion, a sanctuary dedicated to Pandrosos, was established north of the Old Temple of Athena during the Archaic Period. Pandrosos was the daughter of the legendary king of Athens, Kekrops, and was the first priestess of Athena Polias, the city's patron goddess.
The Pandroseion was founded in an area of the Acropolis that preserved the oldest sacred spots of the Athenians, such as the signs of the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of the city, the sacred olive tree that sprang from the rock when Athena struck it with her spear, the salty spring that appeared when Poseidon struck his trident, and the tomb of King Kekrops, who was the judge or witness of the contest between the two gods.
The sacred olive tree of Athena was enclosed in the Pandroseion sanctuary, while a separate precinct wall protected King Kekrops' tomb to the southeast. The early Pandroseion, whose form is unknown, was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BCE. Today, a few remains of the classical sanctuary can be found at the west wall of the Erechtheion and parts of the foundation of its north boundary. These remains indicate that the sanctuary was an open-air trapezoidal structure with a stoa of the Ionic order on the north side and an entrance through a small propylon at the east end of the stoa. The altar of Herkeios Zeus, protector of the family, was located in the court.
The Pandroseion underwent alterations when the Erechtheion was attached to its east side (431-406 BCE or 421-406 BCE). The entrance to the sanctuary was then through a small, undecorated door to the right of the elaborate access of the north porch of the Erechtheion, and the two sanctuaries were also directly connected by a small door in the west wall of the Erechtheion. At that time, the sanctuary court was repaved, and part of King Kekrops' tomb was integrated under the porch of the Caryatids. The olive tree in the sanctuary today was planted at the beginning of the 20th century in memory of Athena's sacred tree.
After all, Erchtheon is a complicated sanctuary dedicated to several persons in ancient mythology.
King Kekrops was a mythical king of Athens in ancient Greek mythology. He was said to be the first ruler of the city and the son of the earth goddess Gaia. Kekrops was known for his role as the judge or witness of the contest between Athena and Poseidon, two gods who were competing for the patronage of the city. According to the myth, when Athena struck the rock with her spear, an olive tree sprouted, giving her victory, and a salty spring appeared when Poseidon struck his trident. The tomb of King Kekrops was protected by a separate precinct wall in the Pandroseion sanctuary on the Acropolis. He is remembered in history as a significant figure in the early myths of Athens.
Poseidon-Erechtheus combines two mythological figures in ancient Greek religion - Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Erechtheus, a legendary king of Athens. According to the myth, Erechtheus was said to be a son of the earth goddess Gaia and a son-in-law of Poseidon.
In some versions of the myth, Poseidon and Erechtheus were worshipped together as a single deity, with Poseidon being identified as the god of the sea and Erechtheus as the god of the earth. This combination was believed to have symbolised the unity of the two realms, the sea and the land, and was worshipped as a protector of Athens.
The cult of Poseidon-Erechtheus was located in the western section of the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis in Athens. This temple was dedicated to the cult of several divinities, including Poseidon-Erechtheus, Hephaistus, and the hero Boutes. The temple was built to house the ancient sacred spots of the city, such as the salt spring that appeared when Poseidon struck the rock with his trident and the trident marks and the tombs of the Athenian kings Kekrops and Erechtheus.
Boutes was a hero in ancient Greek mythology. He was associated with the city of Athens and was worshipped as a local hero.
Very little is known about Boutes and his mythology, but he was believed to be a son of the earth goddess Gaia and a mortal man. He was said to have been a great athlete. He was associated with athletic games, particularly the Panathenaic festival, held in Athens in honour of the goddess Athena.
Athens has a rich history and vibrant culture, and a walking tour is a perfect way to experience its many sights and sounds. A one-day walking tour in Athens could start at the Acropolis, visiting the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, two of the city's most iconic landmarks. From there, you can stroll down to the Greek Agora, where you can rest and enjoy a cup of coffee and some local cheese at a small cafe, soaking in the sun and the atmosphere of this historic neighbourhood.
Next, you can head to the flea market and street markets in the Monastiraki neighbourhood. This area is known for its bustling street vendors and street performers, and it's a great place to find souvenirs and local handicrafts. You can take a break from the crowds and sample some delicious pastries at a local patisserie.
Afterwards, you can head to Syntagma Square, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is a unique and fascinating tradition that is a must-see for anyone visiting Athens.
As the day turns into night, you can experience the city's vibrant nightlife by visiting some of the popular bars and tavernas in the town. Athens is famous for its nightlife, and there are plenty of bars and tavernas to choose from, offering a variety of music and drinks to suit all tastes.
Finally, to end your day, you can visit one of the city's best restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal with local wines and live music. This is the perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing and exploring in Athens, surrounded by the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
