Designed by architects Callicrates and Iktinus, in 447 BC,under the surveillance of Phidias, Parthenon is the best example of the Doric style and "the most faultless in design and execution of all buildings erected by man".

Eight Doric columns at either end and 17 on each side marked the exterior. There were 44 statues, 92 metopes and a frieze which went all the way around the temple.

The Parthenon entrance opened into the cella inner room, which was divided into a nave and side aisles by two rows of columns that supported the pitch of the roof. The cella was occupied by the statue of Athena Polias, Athena of the City, 12 m hight, one of the most renowed works of Phidias, completed in 432 BC.

The draped figure of the goddess was represented standing, armed with helmet, spear and shield. In the right hand she held a Nike statuette, the goddess of Victory, and in her left
a spear. The draperies and accessories were of gold plates, the flesh parts ivory, with precious stones inserted in the eyes. Behind the statue was the entrance to a small room, the Virgin's Chamber, which have been used as a treasury. Its ceiling was supported by four Ionic columns.