Top Photos of The Acropolis of Athens Taken By Me

Undoubtedly, 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 lists 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 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 on 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 olivewood statue of Athena Polias.

The Erechtheion complex has been used for various 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 again damaged the temple, which was not repaired until 413 BC.

Nestling in a rocky hollow on the southwestern side of the Acropolis of Athens is one of the world’s oldest and finest open-air theatres.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is much more than a fascinating archaeological site. Just as it was almost 2000 years ago, it is still used today for performances for up to 5,000 spectators.

Such legendary stars as Jean Michel Jarre, Ennio Morricone, Jethro Tull, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Ross, and Elton John have enchanted audiences with their performances in the magical setting of the ancient Odeon under the beautiful Athenian night sky.

Constructed in 161 AD, the Roman theatre was funded by a wealthy benefactor of Athens, Herodes Atticus, who wanted it to be a gift to the people of Athens and built in honour of his late wife, Aspasia Annia Rigilla.