The Erechtheion
The Erechtheion is on the north side of the Acropolis. It has unique architecture because it was built on different levels of the hillside. Both Athena and Poseidon were honored here. The east porch of the temple leads to the cella of Athena and the north side of the temple leads to the cella of Poseidon. The Caryatid columns are part of the south porch and were modeled after the beautiful women in Caryai. Another opinion is that these statues were modeled after Artemis Caryatis
and her female dancing companions.
and her female dancing companions.
Unlike the other buildings on the Acropolis the Erechtheion was built in the Ionic style. The six columns at the front of the temple have scroll shaped capitals. The most photographed angle of the Erechtheion is the porch of the Caryatids. The six maiden statues supporting the roof of the porch are not the original ones. Find out more about the Caryatids by clicking on the link below.