Final answer:
The Parthenon and related buildings on the Acropolis are admired for their architectural refinement, historical significance, and the use of symmetria and other optical refinements such as curvature and entasis. The enduring admiration for these structures can be attributed to their contributions to the high classical style, revered throughout the history of Greco-Roman antiquity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Parthenon and related buildings on the Athens Acropolis are renowned for their historic and architectural significance. They represent the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture, including key elements such as symmetria, which refers to the harmonious proportions and balance of the structures. The Parthenon itself was a culmination of Greek temple architecture, showing optical refinements like a slight curvature overall and the meticulous placement of metopes and triglyphs over the column capitals.
In addition to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its iconic caryatids, the Propylaea serving both as a gateway and an art gallery during the Classical era, and the Temple of Athena Nike, are other exemplary structures symbolizing Greek architectural excellence and historical significance. These structures incorporated elements from earlier Mycenaean-era constructions, blending history with newer aesthetics. The sculptures adorning these buildings not only added to their beauty but also depicted their cultural and mythological importance to the city of Athens.
The design innovations like Ionic columns and the curvature of the building to compensate for optical illusions contributed to the enduring admiration for these structures throughout the history of Greco-Roman antiquity. The Parthenon's influence extends far beyond its religious and political significance, becoming a symbol of architectural refinement and the high classical style that later civilizations aspired to emulate.