Pearls of the Aegean

Arriving at the top of the steps our guide bought everyone tickets to go into the Acropolis proper. This was the view of the city that I took while we were waiting to go in:

Down in the valley amonst the trees you can see the Temple of Hephaistos. There are ancient ruins and temples all throughout the centre of Athens.

Excuse the scaffolding - it was everywhere throughout the ancient site. Apparently they are replacing a lot of the supports because they were sheared up at the turn of last century with Iron rods and these are now causing the marble columns to decay. This is the Propylaia, the ancient gatehouse at the front of the Acropolis. In ancient times, this structure contained great doors which defended the temples inside from invaders.

This was the Temple of Athena Nike to the left of the main gate. From here we proceeded through the gatehouse and over some uneven ground with Marble patches (that was very slippery) to behold the Parthenon (the largest temple there) itself.

Our guide, calling the party together in front of the Parthenon for a talk. Looks a bit disturbingly like "Hail Hitler", doesn't it?

The top of the Parthenon.

The Parthenon Cat - they get everywhere, don't they?