Acropolis of Athens

Without a doubt, the Acropolis of Athens is the most visited place in the city of Athens, Greece, and almost certainly, at the top of many people’s list of things to do in Athens. More than 2 million tourists visit this prominent and sacred rock outcrop that looks down on the city yearly.

Situated on the Acropolis hill, The name “Acropolis” comes from two Greek words: “ἄκρον” (akron) meaning “highest point” and “πόλις” (polis), meaning “city”.

Home to many of the top things to do in Athens, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Propylaia, the Acropolis has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

It has been many things: A home to gods and kings, a citadel and fortress, the centre of many religions, and now a tourist attraction. It has withstood earthquakes, bombardment and explosions, and vandalism.

Still, the Acropolis of Athens stands today as a reminder of the rich history of Greece and a lasting monument to the ancient city. It is even a cultural UNESCO World Heritage site, for many of its structures, including the Parthenon, which everyone who visits the Acropolis wants to see.

The Athenian Acropolis was a daily part of ancient Greek culture. So much so that even today, it is considered by many to be “the” symbol of Greece.

The Parthenon

No holiday to Athens should go without a visit to the Parthenon. It is the most famous building on the Acropolis of Athens. It was during ancient Greece and is still one of Greece’s most iconic buildings today. 

It was built in the 5th-century BC between 443 BC and 430 BC and was originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon is an excellent example of classical Greek architecture. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

The Parthenon Marbles are a series of sculptures and architectural elements removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Thomas Bruce, the seventh Earl of Elgin, in the early 1800s. The marbles have been a source of controversy ever since they were removed from the temple. Greece has rightly claimed that they are an essential part of their cultural heritage.

The British Museum, where some of the marbles are currently housed, has argued that they were acquired legally and should remain in London and not Athens as a part of the museum’s collection. A debate about the ownership of the marbles has been going on for centuries, and it is likely to continue for many more years.

The Propylaia

The Propylaia is the gateway to the Acropolis of Athens and was built in the 5th-century BC between 460 BC and 450 BC. It is a magnificent example of classical Greek architecture. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Athenian Acropolis.

The Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is said to be where Poseidon left his trident marks in a rock, and Athena’s olive tree sprouted in their battle for the city’s patronage.

Named after Erechtheus, one of the mythical kings of Athens, the temple was a sanctuary to both Athena Polias and Erechtheus-Poseidon.

The large rectangular inner chamber is divided into three rooms. One contained the holy olive-wood statue of Athena Polias.

The Erechtheion complex has been used for a range of purposes, including a harem for the wives of the Ottoman commander in 1463. A Turkish shell almost destroyed it in 1827 during the War of Independence.

The Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike is located on the Acropolis and was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is believed to have been built in the late fifth century BC, around the same time as the Parthenon. The Persians damaged the temple in 480 BC, and the Athenians repaired it after the Battle of Marathon. 

The Temple of Athena Nike is best known for the Nike Relief, which depicts the ancient Athens goddess Nike’s victory over Poseidon. The relief is located on the east pediment of the temple. In 421 BC, the Spartans damaged the temple again, and it was not repaired until 413 BC.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a small theatre that was built in 161 CE. It is located on the south side of the Acropolis. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the site.

Areopagus Hill

The Areopagus is a hill that is located northeast of the Acropolis. With some of the best views of Athens and the Acropolis, Areopagus Hill is one of the most popular places where the locals and tourists gather to watch the sunrises and sunsets.

Areopagus Hill was probably named after the ancient god of war Ares (Mars). The Ancient Greeks believed the hill was connected to mythological events, including the first murder trial conducted by the gods. As a result, the oldest supreme court Arios Pagos of Ancient Athens was established on the hill.

Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient theatre that was built in the sixth century BCE. It is located on the south side of the Athens Acropolis, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the site.

Hill of Nymphs

The Hill of Nymphs is a small hill that is located northwest of the Acropolis of Athens. It was once home to a temple dedicated to the nymphs, and it is now a popular tourist destination.

The Mars Hill

Mars Hill is a hill that is located northwest of the Acropolis of Athens. It was used as a court of law in ancient Greece, and it is now a popular tourist destination.

The Parthenon

The Parthenon is the most popular spot for photos on the Acropolis. It is best to take your photo from the west side of the temple, as this is where the sun will be in the afternoon.

The Propylaia

The Propylaia is another popular spot for photos, as it is the gateway to the Athens Acropolis. It is best to take your photo from the west side of the building, as this is where the sun will be in the afternoon.

The Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is a popular spot for photos and is dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. It is best to take your photo from the east side of the building, as this is where the sun will be in the morning.

The Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike is a popular spot for photos, located at the entrance to the Acropolis. It is best to take your photo from the south side of the temple, as this is where the sun will be in the morning.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a popular spot for photos. It is a small theatre located on the south side of the Acropolis. It is best to take your photo from the west side of the building, as this is where the sun will be in the afternoon.

Summer (April 1st to October 31st)

Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 20:00

Winter (November 1st to March 31st)

Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 18:00

Closed

January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Easter Sunday, December 25th and 26th

Thanks to the Greek Government, from the beginning of 2021, visitors with mobility issues now have access to the Athens Acropolis thanks to a new lift and specially designed paths facilitating wheelchair access.

The modern lift, which replaces a repeatedly malfunctioning one, is located on the north face of the Acropolis along the ancient promenade and will transport wheelchair users and individuals with Disabilities and Impairments to the top of the hill.

The specially designed and renovated 500-meter-long and four-meter-wide pathways also provide access to and around the Parthenon.