The Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel, and one of the most iconic and important symbols of classical Greek civilization. The site dates as far back as the 5th century BC, when Pericles, a prominent and influential Greek statesman, coordinated the construction of its most important monuments that remain today, including:

1. The Propylaea – The grand, colonnaded entrance to the Acropolis
2. The Temple of Athena Nike – A small temple to the goddess Athena Nike who was the protector of the City of Athens, located next to the Propylaea
3. The Parthenon – A former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, constructed between 447 and 432 BC, at the height of the Athenian empire
4. The Erechtheion – An ancient temple constructed between 421 an 406 BC on the site where Athena and Poseidon are believed to have competed to determine who will be the patron of the city (Athena won, hence the city is called Athens). The Erechtheion is most famous for the “Porch of the Maidens” on the north side of the temple, with six draped female figures known as the ‘Caryatids’ serving as supporting columns

Two other major remains that can be seen at the Acropolis today are:

5. The Theater of Dionysus – An ancient Greek theater, constructed around the late 6th century BC on the southern slope of the Acropolis Hill, with a capacity of up to 17,000 people
6. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus – A Roman theater with a capacity of only about 5,000 people, built in 161 AD by the Greco-Roman politician Herodes Atticus, in memory of his Roman wife. The theater is still used today for classical concerts and ballets

Over the years, many of the other original buildings on the site were either repurposed or destroyed by many unwelcome invaders, including the Venetians and the Turks. Many temples were either converted into churches after Rome converted to Christianity, or even into mosques, and storehouses for ammunition. Several of the Parthenon’s original sculptures were removed by the British in 1801. They can be found in the British Museum today.

The Acropolis is open from 8 am to 8 pm during the summer months (April – October) and 8 am to 5 pm during the Winter (November – March). There are two entrances to the site, the main entrance on the West End, and a smaller ticket office on the southeastern corner, which is less well known, and therefore typically has fewer crowds. There is also an elevator on the northeastern side of the Acropolis for those who need wheelchairs. Tickets cost 20 Euros in the summer, and 10 Euros in the winter. A better option is to purchase a combination ticket for 30 Euros, which allows you to skip the line and visit several sites including the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s library, Keramiekos and Aristotle’s school. Combination tickets are valid for five days from the start date and can only be used once for admission into each site. Since the lines are long at the Acropolis, it is best to purchase the combination ticket at one of the other less visited sites, then go to the Acropolis and skip the line.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Private Tour of the Acropolis of Athens

Stroll around the Acropolis with an archaeologist to learn about its monuments, including the Parthenon. Then, visit the New Acropolis Museum for a guided tour of its spectacular statues and treasures, on this 4-hour private walking tour.