The way to the Acropolis in Athens leads through Propylaea; ancient building which as other monuments of Acropolis has been built in time of Athen’s extreme power. Propylaea were designed in way to suppress foreign visitors of Athens before they was coming into Acropolis.
One of the rivals of ancient Athens, the strategist city of Thebes Epaminondas, once said that if Thebes has Propylaea they will surpass by beauty the Athens.
Despite the fact that work under the Propylaea was interrupted during the Peloponnesian War, Mnesikles (who was the architect of Propylaea) managed to finish it and create the building which was admired by all over the ancient world. The Propylaea is rectangular building with two porticos on its flanks. It had five entrance doors with columns of Ionic and Doric styles after which visitor came into the vast vestibule which had a lavish interior with ceiling adorned by the gold star.
At the north flank of Propylaia was established so-called Pinakothek the first art-gallery of the world. After the Propylaea the word of Pinakothek was spread over the world as meaning of art museum.
The climb to the Propylaea in ancient times was leading on the road of 80 meters length and 20 meters wide. This road was convenient not only for people. It was designed also to facilitate delivery to Acropolis the loads.
In the times of ruling of Emperor Claudius another one memorial staircase was built and in the 3 century next to Propylaea were built gates of Bele which are named in honor of French archaeologist Ernest Bele.
In the Middle Ages Propylaia served for different purposes. Generally it shared the fate of other buildings in Acropolis. It was an archbishop’s palace, the residence of Lord of the Latin Empire and when the Athens were got by Turks, it became the fortress.
As a fortress Propylaea were badly damaged a few times. First time it struggled from the gunpowder exposure and next time Propylaea suffered from the lightning which blew to the Propylaea and fired it.
In the 13th century to the Propylaea was added watch tower which has been dismantled in 1874.
In the modern times Propylaea often used as model for other buildings. For example in accordance to its design was built Propylaea in Munich.
