Architecture

The architecture and purpose of the Parthenon in Athens epitomises many facets of Greek culture, both ancient and modern.

 

Ancient Greek architecture is best known through its temples and theatres.

 

Byzantine architecture emphasized a Greek cross layout, the Byzantine capitol style of column (a mixture of Ionic and Corinthian capitols) and a central dome surrounded by several smaller domes.

During the nineteenth century, the Neo-classical vocabulary was heavily used for both public and private building.

For churches, Greece also experienced something of a Neo-Byzantine revival.

In the twentieth century, Greek architecture has followed international architectural trends. Important Greek and international architects have designed many buildings of Athens such as Dimitris Pikionis, Stamatis Kleanthis, Ernst Ziller, Theophil Freiherr von Hansen, Patroklos Karantinos, Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen and Mario Botta. Several new buildings were also constructed by Santiago Calatrava for the 2004 Athens Olympics, while Bernard Tschumi designed the New Acropolis Museum.