The Parthenon

This way to the Acropolis!  On our first full day in Athens we went straight to the crown jewel of Athenian ruins. 

The Acropolis dominates the Athens' skyline and getting to the top is quite a climb.

The Parthenon was being restored when we were visiting and the whiter parts of the columns are new pieces which have been placed to stabilize and repair older restorations.  Over time the white will blend in with the older stonework.

Its original use was that of a temple to Athena, Athens' patron deity but over time it was used as a Christian church, an Islamic mosque, and an armory.  Its use as an armory led to it's destruction when it was attacked by the Venetians and the munitions the Turks had stored there exploded.  

Here's the view from the Acropolis of Mount Lycabettus, which is the highest point around Athens.  The weather was perfect during our days in Athens with barely a cloud in the sky most days and not one sight of rain.

These columns line the stairway that leads to top of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

And to conclude, I present a sign I don't believe I've ever seen before in my life.