Acropolis, Erechtheion, Caryatid Porch

To the north of the Parthenon lies this irregular Ionic temple. It probably replaced an older temple from the 6th Century BC. An inscription that was found on site indicates the building was built between the years 438 and 406 or 405 BC, probably by Mnesicles. Early in the reign of Augustus, there was extensive renovation, especially at the temple's west end, after a fire damage which destroyed the original roof. In 190 AD, the Athenians installed a divine image of Empress Julia Domna next to that of Athena Polias. Circa 7th Century AD, the building was converted into a church. In 1676 it became a Turkish residence and harem. The temple united under one roof several cults, and its plan comprises several different facades. The temple was made of Pentelic Marble. Its Main Decoration was a continuous outer frieze of white Marble figures attached to a dark limestone background. Exquisite Ionic moldings were also found there, especially in the north porch. The capitals were additionally adorned with gilded bronze and beads of colored glass. The southern portico which resembles more a balcony, is supported by six female figures that are knows as the Caryatids or Maidens.