Home › Propylaeum

Propylaeum

Etching the first photograph of Propylaea Athens

A propylaeum is originally a hall leading to a sanctuary. Today it is used in the plural, it means a monumental entrance. It is the gateway to a sanctuary, a place of separation between secular (the city ) and a world divine (the sanctuary).

The most famous example of propyl is one of the Acropolis of Athens , directed by Mnesicles of 437 to 432 BC. AD , as part of the great works of Pericles after the Median wars. It consists of a central hall and two wings on each side. To the east and west, it is flanked by two gates with six columns Doric. The north wing is called the art gallery and was a banquet hall and exhibition of works of art.