HOUSES OF PRAYER:

GREEK AESTHETICS AND THE ACROPOLIS

by Dr. Deborah Vess

The Propylaea

The Propylaea is the entrance to the Acropolis and was designed by Mnesikles. It was begun in 438 B.C.E., and building was B.C.E. interrupted in 432 because of Peloponnesian War. The Propylaea is considered a masterpiece of design, as it makes use of Doric columns along the east and west sides, and a double row of Ionic columns. The Propylaea originally had a ceiling that was painted blue with stars on it, setting the ethereal mood for pilgrims as they entered the sacred space of the Acropolis.

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