The Parthenon was damaged during the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century when the Acropolis was used as a fortress by the Ottoman Turks. The temple was hit by a cannonball during the siege of Athens and sustained significant damage to its columns and sculptures.
Even previously, Parthenon suffered significant damage during the siege of 1687 and was reduced to ruins.
The siege of 1687 was part of the Morean War, also known as the Venetian-Ottoman War, which took place between 1684 and 1699. The war was fought between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice, with the latter receiving support from several European powers, including the Holy League and the Habsburg Monarchy.
Ottoman forces bombarded the city of Athens and the Acropolis, which housed the Parthenon. The explosion caused by the bombardment crumpled the Parthenon into ruins, marking a significant turning point in its history. The damage to the Parthenon was extensive, and the temple would continue to deteriorate in the centuries to come due to natural weathering, looting, and neglect.
The siege of 1687 was a significant event in the history of the Parthenon and the city of Athens, and it had a lasting impact on the temple's preservation and condition.
Despite restoration efforts in the early 1900s, iron-reinforced concrete and clamps caused further damage to the ancient marble and led to structural problems.
In 1983, the restoration of the Parthenon began. On the eastern side, the project included restoring the two corners of the entablature and pediment, transferring original metopes to the new Acropolis Museum and replacing them with exact copies. During work in the pronaos, three northern columns were partially restored using material from their original position and the fourth and fifth columns were fully restored with new marble. In 2015, the final carving of their flutes was completed.
Restoring the northern colonnade involved correcting previous misalignments and restoring eight central columns and the corresponding entablature. Using ancient members and titanium reinforcements helped revive the Parthenon's original form.
Work on the cella's long walls began in 2011, intending to define the plan of the cella by incorporating scattered ancient stones. After completion, the two walls will match their original form as they appeared just after the 1687 explosion. Work on the external and internal layer of the North wall's orthostatic has also been carried out since 2011 to support the overlying blocks of the wall.
In conclusion, the Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and was one of the most important religious and cultural centres in ancient Athens. It was also used as a treasury to store the city's wealth and the proceeds from the Delian League. The Parthenon is considered a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture and was damaged during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century.
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!
