The Parthenon is the most important and characteristic monument of the ancient Greek civilization and still remains its international symbol. It was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens. It was built between 447 and 438 B.C. and its sculptural decoration was completed in 432 B.C. The construction of the monument was initiated by Perikles, the supervisor of the whole work was Pheidias, the famous Athenian sculptor, while Iktinos and Kallikrates were the architects of the building. The temple is built in the Doric order and almost exclusively of Pentelic marble. 

The Museum   counts as one of the top 10 Archaeological museums in the world. The museum displays finds from all parts of the ancient Greek world which date from Neolithic times to the last years of the Roman Empire. The completely renovated National Archaeological Museum ranks among the leading archaeological muse-urns in the world. Survey the numerous important exhibits and explore Greece's history. You will be impressed by the treasures of the museum and will want to come back for another visit. However, if you come just once, be sure to have enough time.

The Museum occupies the S.E.   of the rock of the Acropolis where the sanctuary of Pandion once stood. The Museum contains mainly pedimental sculpture, reliefs and statues found on the rock of the Acropolis, which formed part of the decoration of its buildings or were dedicated to the goddess Athena. Among the latter is the unique collection in the world of statues of female figures of the archaic era known as the "Korai" with the well known archaic smile, such as the Kore of Lyons, the Kore of Naxos, the Kore of Chios, the Peploforos Kore, the Kore of Antinor, the Kore of Euthidikos, etc.