Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Caryatids of the Erechtheion
JEAN-PIERRE LESCOURRET/GETTY IMAGES ©
Porch of the Caryatids
The Erechtheion is immediately recognisable by the six majestic maiden columns that
support its southern portico, the Caryatids (415 BC). Modelled on women from Karyai
(modern-day Karyes, in Lakonia), each maiden is thought to have held a libation bowl in
one hand, and to be drawing up her dress with the other. Those you see are plaster casts.
The originals (except for one removed by Lord Elgin, now in the British Museum) are in
the Acropolis Museum.
Temple of Poseidon
Though he didn't win patronage of the city, Poseidon was worshipped on the northern side
of the Erechtheion. The porch still bears the mark of his trident-strike. Imagine the finely
decorated coffered porch painted in rich colours, as it was before.
