Athens Photo Gallery - Parthenon

I had a few hours in Athens in between flights while en route to Santorini. With a direct train from the airport to the city, it was very possible to explore the Acropolis during my 5 hour layover. The Parthenon commands a wonderful view of Athens. Dedicated to Athena parthenos, the goddess of power and prestige for the city, it is the largest Doric temple in the country. Given its prominence, expect large crowds even though it's a huge place with everything spread out. The site has seen a long history of tragedies, both natural and man-made. The Persians razed the site in the 5th century BC, the Venetian attack on the Turks in 1687 resulted in an explosion that damaged all the buildings, while the Earl of Elgin took away relics in 1801 which are still exhibited at the British Museum.