Tower of the Winds Athens

Tower of the Winds in Athens is the oldest meteorological monument in the world. The tower located at the Roman Forum in Athens and has 13,5 meters in height and 8 meters in its diameter.

This monument has the few names. Athenians call the tower “Aerides” which translated as the “winds”. Often the tower called as the Temple of Aeolus (Aeolus is a god of winds in the Greek mythology). But official name of the monument is a “Watch of the Kirrist” because the tower has been built in the 1 century BC by the astronomer Andronicus from the Kirrist.

In the ancient times inside the tower was the hydraulic watch which worked from the water which is flowed from Acropolis. All sides of the tower adorned by the friezes dedicated to the winds. Under the friezes there is sundial and the tower in the ancient time served as the watch. At dark time clepsydra used in place of sundial and that helped for the continuous time measurement in Athens.

Christians converted the tower into the church and I think that this saved the building from the destruction. Also it’s worth mentioning that in the Middle Ages was belief that the Tower of the Wind is the shrine of the Alexander the Great. Of course, it was the myth without any connection with reality.

The tower had very interesting purpose in the times of the Ottomans Empire. It was the residence of the special Turkish order called the “dervishes”. Of course, in our days, you can’t find any vestiges of this. Now it’s entirely ancient construction.

During the centuries of its existence the tower was submerged deeply into the ground. In the middle of the 19 century the tower has been cleaned and excavation of the Tower began under the supervision of the famous Greek Archaeologist Anastasios Orlandos.

Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens

When you will visit the Acropolis of Athens from its eastern side you will notice the spectacular ruins. It’s ruins of the biggest temple of ancient Greece – the Temple of Zeus which is also called as the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Since the Temple of Zeus is the biggest ancient temple you would not be surprised to know that it was the longest construction of antiquity.

The building of temple lasted 650 years. It was started in the middle of the 6-th century BC when in Athens ruled Pisistratus and was finished in Roman era, when the city was visited by the Hadrian.

Hadrian loved the Athens. When he visited the city he not only finished the temple (and devoted it to the Zeus) but also built a new quarters and Triumph Arch to separate the old city from the new. Of course, now it’s all old. The word “new” only emphasizes how old the Athens was that even 2000 years ago there was the old and new parts.

The area around the temple always was sacred. Ancient Athenians believed that at the south from the temple was the crack to where seeped the last water after the Flood. Also it was the place where the Codri (the last king of Athens) made his exploit in the battle between Athenians and Dorias. Also here Socratus gathered his pupils.

In the Middle Ages As other ancient buildings, temple have used as source for the constructions. Before Ottomans captured the Athens the temple was almost demolished and was lying in the ruins.

The excavations of the temple began in the 1889. They were conducted by the British School of the Archeology.

Interesting event near the Temple of Zeus happened 20 January 2007. The group of the young men decided to restore cult of Zeus in Greece and conducted worship dedicated to Zeus.

The Temple of Zeus in ancient times

Initially the temple was built from the tufa and limestone. The temple was surrounded by the portico with the big columns with 2 meters diameter. But this version of the temple was not finished.

In the 175 BC Antiochus Fourth has tried to finish the project but his attempt also was not successful. Of course he contributed some new features into the view of temple.

And as I already told the construction has been finished only by Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian was not a modest person and put own statue near the statue of Zeus inside the temple. The statue of Zeus was made from the gold and the ivory.

According to the Roman historian Titus Libyan The Temple of Zeus in Athens was only one place on Earth which worth to be the Zeus’s residence.

After the temple has been finished around it emerged the little Roman settlement ruins of which you can see today.

Also near the Temple of Zeus was located the Panathenaic Stadium which was constructed at the 4-th century BC. The stadium has been destroyed during the Turkish era and refurbished before the Olympic Games in 1896.

Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo originates from 136 when Emperor Hadrian has decided to build the mausoleum for themselves and for his inheritors. This mausoleum would be the greatest building in the Rome and had to surpass the famous Altar of Augustan Peace.

Hadrian started the realization of his plans when he come back to the Rome after a long trip over the Roman Empire. But he not finished the construction and the mausoleum has been built by his successor.

The mausoleum had a shapes of the round tower topped with Hadrian’s statue on the roof. This statue had enormous sizes. On this statue Hadrian drove the chariot with four horses. As one ancient author wrote the man could crept through the eyes of these horses. Today only the head of Hadrian has been preserved from the statue which you can see now at the Vatican’s museum.

Castel Sant’Angelo. Photo provided by the MarkusMark under CC BY 3.0 license

A few Romans Emperors were buried at the Mausoleum. Among them such names as Commodus or Marcus Aurelius. The last one was the Septimius Severus and after him the Mausoleum was closed for a few centuries.

The Mausoleum was untouched till the 400 year when Emperor Honorius decided to include it into the defensive system of Rome and turned Mausoleum to the fortress.

In 410, when Rome was attacked by the Visigoths, Roman soldiers used decorative elements of Mausoleum as missiles. They broke the statues and threw its pieces to the enemies. But these deeds were incomplete to save the Rome. The Visigoths got the city and sacked it during the three days. Of course they got all valuable things from the Mausoleum of Hadrian.

Castel Sant’Angelo. Photo provided by the Kiss Tamás under CC BY 3.0 license

In the Middle Ages the Mausoleum continued used as the fortress. It was turbulent times and Popes often found refuge there. They even built the special passage between their residence in the Vatican and the fortress. And this passage was so wide so they even could use the wagon to reach the refuge.

In the 1379, during the internal insurgency in Rome, the fortress was occupied by the army of the Robert of Geneva who tried to escape here from the people's rampage. After the long resistance from the Robert’s side, rebels took the fortress and partly demolished it. The slabs which covered the fortress’s surface were took out and then used to pave the streets of the Rome.

I think it’s time to mention how the Mausoleum of Hadrian got its modern name – the Castel Sant’Angelo. It happened in the end of the 6-th century when the plague raged in Rome. The Pope Gregory the Great organized procession over the city and plead the God to stop the epidemic. When procession walked past the castle the Pope heard how the angels sang. He treated it as a good sign, and really, the plague retreated from the city.

Castel Sant’Angelo. Photo provided by the Kevin Chan under CC BY 3.0 license

Since the castle become known as the Castel Sant’Angelo. Popes Nicholas V and Alexander VI applied a lot of their effort and energy to fortify castle in the 15 century. For example, Alexander VI built additional towers around the castle and the front yard. Also in the castle were built the treasury, Pope’s rooms, depots for food and water and a lot of the supplementary buildings.

The Castel Sant’Angelo has also the dismal fame. It was the Pope’s jail and sometimes the prisoners were executed just inside of the castle. In those days the sad ringtone of the bells could be heard in the Rome. The most famous prisoners of the castle are Galileo Galilei, Benvenuto Cellini and Count Cagliostro.

Today the Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum were you can see a lot of the showpieces dedicated to the medieval Rome. Also in the museum there is a nice collection of the arts.

Castel Sant’Angelo. Photo provided by the Gabriel Juan Henry under CC BY 3.0 license

Loarre Castle

Loarre Castle (located in Spain near the border with France) reminds about the times when the first Christian kings fought with moors for the Spain. In fact, it was the last Christian stronghold in the Spain and from this point they started the process which is known in history as Reconquista (liberation the Spain from the moors)

Moors invaded the Spain at the beginning of the 8 century. They very quickly gained control over the country and only the few Christian kingdoms survived at the north of the Spain. One of them was the Aragon which there of could be counted as the cradle of the Spain.

Loarre Castle. Photo provided by the Antonio under CC BY 3.0 license

Loarre Castle – is an oldest fortress in the Spain. The current castle was built in the 10 century over the ruins of the Roman fortress. In the 1065 castle was took by the Moors but has been liberated soon and after that has been fortified even more.

By the Spanish tradition the Loarre Castle was not only the fortress but also the monastery. So, it’s not wonder that central place in the castle was reserved for the church.

Loarre Castle. Photo provided by the Ecelan under CC BY 3.0 license

It’s worth mentioning that castle located in the very amazing place and has been chosen by the kings of Aragon as their residence. Recently in the castle were discovered graceful murals and beautifully decorated reliefs. There of we could make a conclusions that castle was important royal residence in the Middle Ages.

But we should admit that the heyday of the Loarre didn’t last for along period. Kings of Aragon built another residence some day and Loarre Castle has been abandoned.

In the 13 century castle was fortified again. But when Christians got control over the north and central Spain, Loaare lost its military importance. Today the castle is a very nice museum which remains us about the vigorous fights here in the Middle Ages.

Loarre Castle. Photo provided by the Millars under CC BY 3.0 license

Altar of Augustan Peace

Altar of Augustan Peace in Rome – is a unique museum. The main showpiece of the museum - is a refurbished ancient building which has been built between the 13 and 9 BC to commemorate come back of Augustus to the Rome from Gallia and Spain.

This event had a great impact to the further flow of the history. Roman Peace was established and “golden era” of Rome was starting then. It was the era of peace in Rome and territories which were controlled by the city. So, that is why the building was called as Altar of Augustan Peace.

The front of the Altar of Augustan Peace. Photo provided by the Chris Nas under CC BY 3.0 license

The building has the great artistic importance and reckoned as the greatest example of the Roman architecture and sculpture. It has been built at the Field of Mars near the Via Flaminia road and Tiber.

The proximity to the river partly saved the building from complete destruction. At one time, the Altar of the Augustan Peace was covered by the river's sludge which served as a nice element for its preservation. It was simply elapsed from the historical memory and survived in the turbulent times of the Middle Ages.

The back of the Altar of Augustan Peace. Photo provided by the Quinok under CC BY 3.0 license

Altar has been discovered at 1568. But the finical and careful research of the building has been conducted in the 19 century, and the complete refurbishment of the building was finished in the 1930-years.

The building restoration has been done by the order of the Benito Mussolini who tried to restore the glory of ancient Rome in Italy and paid a lot attention to the restoration of the Roman buildings over the country.

Relief of the Altar of Augustan Peace. Photo provided by the Manfred Heyde under CC BY 3.0 license

The museum works daily (except Monday) from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. The adult ticket costs 8,50 euro. The closest metro station of the museum is Flaminio (Line B)

Augustus. Photo provided by the Manfred G.dallorto under CC BY 3.0 license

Placa Real Barcelona

It’s one of the secret places in the city. Placa Real in Barcelona huddles to the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. It’s very easy to miss it when you walk along the boulevard and I found it only from the second attempt.

The square was built in the middle of the 19 century in place of old monastery. It was the times in Spain when the Church was separated from the State and many of the old churches and monasteries in Spain were demolished.

Placa Real Barcelona. Photo provided by the AndriySadivskyy under CC BY 3.0 license

Placa Real has been built very quickly but its decoration was postponed for a time. And I think it’s was a judicious decision from the city’s authorities because this work in the future was assigned to the young Gaudi.

I think that is why the Placa Real today could be reckoned as one of the graceful places in the Barcelona.

Placa Real Barcelona at night. Photo provided by the Serge Melki from Indianapolis, USA under CC BY 3.0 license

Phaistos

Phaistos (it’s also called Festos) palace lies on the Messara Plain, the most riches and fertile plain of the island, at the point which is dominated over the plain and from which it could be easily controlled.

This is the one of the ancient palaces (and may be the fortress) known on the Earth.

Phaistos has been built in the 2000 BC by Minoan civilization, the first European civilization.

It was the civilization of sailors and traders. The Minoans established their connections with almost all nations from the Mediterranean. The conducted their business with Egypt and with Asia Minor. And of course with the mainland of Europe, bringing the light of civilization to the European tribes.

I don’t believe that they were peaceful. As we know from ancient Greek legends, they were the pirates and imposed the contributions where it was possible.

May be you heard about the famous legend of Minotaur. According this legend, each year Athenians paid horrific contribution to the Minoans – 7 boys and 7 girls which were used to feed the Minotaur (half bull and half man creature). This creature lived in the place called the Labyrinth.

Of course were no labyrinths on the Crete. For Greeks the palaces, like Phaistos, which were built over the island, seemed as the real labyrinth.

Today is still unknown whether these buildings were the palaces, fortresses or some sacral places. May be the combined all these functions.

It’s known 4 or 5 such palaces on the Crete. Most famous from them – is a Knoss, but for me the Phaistos palace is more attractive. Knoss was remodeled when its excavation took place. And it’s was not restored as it was few thousands years ago. It’s has the guise of how the archaeologists imagined it should be.

The Phaistos palace – is a different story. It was left in the state it was discovered without any refurbishment. Of course you will need some imagination during your Festos visit but I think you definitely have it.

Like other palaces on the Crete Phaistos was destroyed after volcano eruption at Santorini island and followed tsunami at the 1450 BC. This disaster led to the fade of the Minoan civilization.

But even after disaster Phaistos was inhabited until 200 BC when the city was destroyed during the attack from the neighbor city of Gorthina. Despite the fact that the Phaistos was mentioned by Gomer it’s was not as important as before the natural disaster.

The place was discovered in the 1900 by Italian archaeologists. During the excavation so called Phaistos Disk has been found (you can see it know at Archeological Museum of Herakleon). This disk contains undeciphered letters which is reckoned as most ancient letters of Europe.

And I also want to recommend you visit Matala Beach which is located not far from the Phaistos. At the era of Minoan civilization this beach has been used as port of the Phaistos.

Santa Maria sopra Minerva

After took in the Pantheon, it’s worth to visit the Santa Maria sopra Minerva Square with big Egyptian obelisk which was set here by Bernini. Bernini set this obelisk on the elephant’s back so this place often called as “Elephant’s Square”.

The square got its name in honor of the Santa Maria sopra Minerva church, the only one Gothic church in the Rome. Inside of this church you can see a lot of Renaissance arts but the main is the “The Risen Christ” Michelangelo. (Frankly speaking his pupils have spoiled his work a little after his death)

Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Photo provided by the Jean-Christophe BENOIST under CC BY 3.0 license

The church was a burial place for some Popes. So you can see inside the tombs of the famous people. Among them such names as Paul VI who was the enemy of the Protestants in the fullness of time, Leo the Tenth and Clement the Seventh who were the backers of arts in the times of the Renaissance. And near their tomb you can see the shrine of the Catherine of Siena who returned the Pope’s throne from the Avignon to Rome.

Santa Maria sopra Minerva - Main Vault. Photo provided by the MatthiasKabel under CC BY 3.0 license

In other words, here you can find the names which exerted to the European policy tremendously. And it’s not wonder that the most famous artists of the Renaissance were involved to adorn its exterior.

For example, on the side chapels there are frescoes by Perugino and sculptures by Bernini.

Santa Maria sopra Minerva has known not only as the temple of arts. The church has also the sad fame. It’s the place were Galileo has been interrogated by Inquisition. And here the great scientist proclaimed his famous “And still it moves”!!!

Santa Maria sopra Minerva Carafa Chapel. Photo provided by the Sailko under CC BY 3.0 license

Parthenon

Acropolis – is a sacred center of ancient Athens. In the 5 century BC, in the times when Athens were at the peak of its power, on Acropolis was created gorgeous architectural ensemble in center of which was built the Parthenon – temple dedicated to the Athena.

Parthenon has been built 447-437 BC by the Ictinus and Callicrates over the ruins of the older temple which was destroyed during the Persians invasion to Greece.

Snowy guise of Parthenon dominates over Acropolis. It’s a classical Greek temple but with own peculiarities which made the Parthenon unrepeatable. Parthenon has been built as a peripter with the columns on the sides. To hide the irregularities on the Acropolis surface, ancient architects made columns different. But human eyes can’t discern this. For us Parthenon seems ideal and harmonious.

Parthenon’s walls, columns and pediments were built from the big marble blocs. The roof of the temple (which is not survived) was wooden. One of the most prominent parts of the building was the magnificent frieze with the scenes of Athena life. According to other version on the frieze were depicted 192 heroes of Maraphon battle which took place in the 490 BC. It’s the modern version and it’s disputable.

The main, eastern, pediment of Parthenon was adorned with “Birth of Athena” frieze. According to the legend Athena was born from the Zeus head. In center of frieze was depicted the Zeus with just born Athena nearby. Over them was depicted Irida (the ancient gods newsmaker) who spread the news about Athena among the other Olympic gods. And of course the other gods were depicted with their amazement.

At the western pediment of Parthenon was depicted the famous dispute between the Athena and Poseidon.

Today Parthenon (better to say its ruins) has a white color. But in ancient times it had a different guise. The pediments were colored in the blue and the friezes in the red.

The interior of the temple was divided to the two parts. The western part was used to store the treasury of Attic Sea Union. (This formation was created after the end of Greek-Persian wars under the Athens rule. It included the Athens, Greek cities on the Asia Minor shore, and Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. De-facto this formation could be called as Athens Empire because Athenians subdued other cities to their power).

At the eastern part of the Parthenon was the statue of Athena which has been made by the Phidias. This statue played fatal role in the Phidias fate. He carved themselves on the shield of Athena and Athenians condemned him in disrespect of gods. As result in the 431 BC Phidias has been jailed.

The Parthenon began to fade in the beginning of 7 century when temple was converted into the Christian church. The interior of temple was reconstructed and its rebuilders didn’t worry about friezes safety. As result part of them including the famous “birth of Athena” was demolished.

In 1456 Athens were occupied by the Turks and Parthenon was converted into the Muslim church. The minaret has been added to its western part.

But the most devastated event occurred at the end of the 17 century during the war between Ottoman Empire and Venetian Republic. Venetians attacked the Acropolis and bombed the Parthenon because they believed that Parthenon was used as depot for gunpowder. As result Parthenon exploded after the one charge hit it.

After the few days of storm, Venetians occupied Acropolis and decided to take out some of the friezes. They did dismounting of the friezes very sloppy and part of them was crashed.

After 100 years the French envoy took some friezes to the Paris. In 1801-1803 lord Elgin took the rest friezes to the London.

My opinion that the Elgin saved the remains of the friezes for the future generations. After a few decades Acropolis again was the place of vigorous battles and I think that friezes were in the big danger. And so we can see the Parthenon friezes in the different museums today.

The Parthenon restoration began at the end of the 19 century. It’s not easy work and restoration is still in progress. I hope that in some day we will see the Parthenon as it was in the 5th century BC. Of course, even in the current state it’s very impressive and unbelievable building.