The Porch of the Caryatids (Πρόστασις των Κορών). One of the buildings located on the east side of the Parthenon in Acropolis is called Erechtheum Temple. One unique thing that we can see there was the porch in the north part lies 6 Ionic columns to support the structure but differently from the south part instead of 6 Ionic columns but the statue of 6 maidens that support the structure with their heads. Those statues represented the Women of Caryae. The story tells that Caryae women were doomed or punished to hard labor because the Caryae town sided with the Persians in 480 bc during their second invasion of Greece. For your info, those statues are not the real ones but replicas made of gypsum. To protect those historical statues, the authority moves four of them into the Acropolis museum, one remains in the museum storage, and the last stolen by Lord Elgin early 19th century placed in British Museum London.

Probably the nicest most decorative part of the acropolis still standing. The statues have been replaced with copies though and are safely kept now in the mueseum

One of a must-see for any visitor to Athens! Great views.

On the high stylobate of the south porch of the Erechtheion are six maidens, who take the place of columns in supporting the entablature. Now severely weathered and affected by pollution, five of the caryatids were removed to the Acropolis Museum in 1978 and replaced with replicas. The other figure (the second from the left in the first row of four) was appropriated by Lord Elgin, who, between 1801 and 1805, removed about half of the surviving sculptures from the fallen ruins of the Acropolis and from the Parthenon, itself. They were acquired by the British Museum in 1816 and put on public display the following year. Between 1937 and 1938, even the British caryatid, which certainly is in better condition than its sisters, was damaged when masons abraded the surface (as well as that of some of the Parthenon sculptures) in a misguided and unauthorized attempt to brighten them for the opening of the new gallery in which they were to be displayed.. Caryatids are female figures that serve as the architectural support for the entablature of a building. The Greeks called these supporting figures korai, maidens. Caryatides is the first use of the term in Latin and transliterates the Greek word meaning "maidens of Caryae." Rather than commemorating the disgrace of Caryae, the figures more likely represent the young women of the town, where there was a sanctuary of Artemis Caryatis ("Artemis of the Walnut Tree") and an image of the goddess standing in the open air. Here, she was celebrated every year by choral dances (Pausanias, Description of Greece, III.10.7).

Compared to the other ancient buildings this one is in good shape.

Walking through the Erechtheion on the Acropolis, I was fascinated by the Caryatids, those female figures carved with an elegance that defies time. Their grace and strength mingled, holding the structure above their heads with imperturbable dignity. I felt a mixture of admiration and amazement as I contemplated how these statues not only served an architectural function but also evoked the artistic mastery of the ancient world. Despite knowing that the ones I saw were replicas and that the originals are protected in the museum, the presence of the Caryatids connected me deeply with the history and culture of classical Greece.

A great temple that really complements the others that are attached. I wish we could go inside if it were in better condition!

So beautiful.

Can agree that this is most decorative part of the Acropolis. The statues somehow mesmerised me. It is crowdy to take a photo of whole building without any in front of it, but can catch a details. Today was a strike and happy that Acropolis was open.

The Southern Prostasia, that is, the Erechtheion's veil, was not supported by columns like the North, but by the Caryatids. In six statues which in antiquity were called Kores. The name Caryatides referring to daughters from Karyes, a city near Sparta, arose later. It was common in Ionic buildings to replace the columns with Kores, while in Doric buildings the columns were replaced with men called Atlases. Various interpretations have been attributed to the Caryatids. There are opinions that want some of them to be the daughters of Cecrops, elsewhere it is stated that they are Arriphoros, however the prevailing opinion about the Caryatids of Erechtheion is that they are daughters who paid honor to the dead king Cecrops, as in this area it is believed that his grave is located. It is assumed that he created the Caryatids in the 5th century BC. the sculptor Alcamenes who was a student of Pheidias or another of the students of the great sculptor of antiquity, possibly Callimachus. The Caryatids we see today on the South Prostrate of the Erechtheum are modern copies, as the five originals have been moved from 1979 indoors to protect them from atmospheric pollution. They are prominently placed on the first floor of the Acropolis Museum, while the sixth which is the product of theft by Thomas Bruce in 1804 who planned to dismember and extract them all. It is in the British Museum.

It is located right next to the Parthenon a really detailed deep textured Greek sculpture

One of the beautiful structures in a crapolis

This place is magical. A beautiful picture during sun rise and sun set. Little known fact. These Caryatids were decorated wit bright, vibrant painting when they were contemporary. This was a very colorful place!

It is known that the most celebrated examples of Caryatids are found in the south porch of the Erechtheion on the acropolis of Athens long time ago and the originals of Caryatids are now displayed in the city's Acropolis Museum. Of course, their copies are stunning as well.

Beautiful details

Beneath the caryatids was the tomb of Cecrops...the sisters are still waiting for their sister who is illegally in the museum of England stolen from Elgin

I recommend you to visit Acropolis Museum first, and see the original statues which are part of this historical building. Later on, while visiting Acropolis, you could recognise that you had seen these statues before. To sum up, the statues of maidens that you would see at this building are replicas made of gypsum.

If you visit Parthenon don't forgot to visit this wonderful place as well as it is located next to it.

Outstanding, extraordinary a must visit!

Just beautiful!

The Porch of the Caryatids is a beautiful and delicate architecture in the same piece.

This architectural marvel is a testament to the timeless beauty and rich history of ancient Greece. Visiting in the morning as well avoided a lot of crowds and the afternoon heat.

Go and see the originals at the new Acropolis Museum -five of them-. Sixth one at the BM in London.

This area was considered the most sacred of the Acropolis of Athens. You will not miss its magnificence when you reach the summit. It is adjacent to the Parthenon; the temple of Athena.

great place to go see and take pictures

Another small part of the many ruins on the Acropolis.

My favorite is the Prostasis ton Koron, photographs do not do it justice.

Man is a question...