The centre is an enterprising project, designed to illustrate all aspects of the building and history of the Acropolis.

A building site still surrounds the first main structure to be completed - a converted army barracks. The original idea behind the centre was supported by Melina Mercouri, the Greek Minister of Culture, with the hope that one day the Elgin Marbles would be returned to Athens from the British Museum in London and put on display here. For the moment, the centre contains replicas of the main friezes from the Parthenon. Their scale is wonder fully impres sive in these surroundings as you are much closer to them than is possible at the Parthenon itself. The skill of the workmen, the subtlety of their carvings and the imposing design all become plainly evident, and anyone who visits the Acropolis should certainly visit the Study Centre as well.