\paperw3195 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 THE PROPYLAEA\par
These constitute the monumental entrance to the Acropolis. They were built on the western side of t
he rocky hill, where the slope was less steep and access to them was provided by a winding flight of steps. The building had the same orientation as the Parthenon, so that anyone entering the sacred area was immediately confronted with the statue of Athe
na Promachos. The central part of the structure has six thick \b \cf4 \ATXht1107 Doric\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 \b \cf1 \ATXht3 columns\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 on the external facade and six more on the internal one. It was through the central door, larger than the oth
ers, that the procession of virgins in Athene's honor passed.\par