There is perhaps no place on earth as internationally recognized as the Acropolis of Athens. One of the most famous travel destinations for the past two thousand years, it is easily the most famous landmark of the ancient world and is a symbol of civilization itself.
As such, a visit to this legendary monument sits at the top of many people’s bucket lists, with the Acropolis attracting more than 23,000 people every day. That’s over three million people in a year!
From the lasting influences it has played on our evolving society to the best times to visit to escape the mass tourism crowds, this is everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit to the Archaeological Site of the Acropolis of Athens.
Visit Acropolis of Athens, Greece: A Brief Guide
Acropolis of Athens Opening Hours: 8:00 am to sunset
Acropolis of Athens Ticket Prices: €20 per ticket; €10 reduced rate (a combined ticket costs €30 and provides admission to 7 archaeological sites in Athens)
Acropolis of Athens Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Acropolis View Hotel | Athens Utopia Ermou | Arethusa Hotel
Tours: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour | Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Top Sights: The Parthenon | The Erechtheum | Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Acropolis Museum
Acropolis of Athens Map
Acropolis of Athens: A Brief History
The Foundations of a Monument
The importance of the Athenian Acropolis predates the iconic monuments the historical hilltop is famous for today. In fact, most of the current structures occupying the site today are largely attributed to the 5th century, whereas the area has long been inhabited since the Neolithic Period, with archaeological evidence suggesting human presence as early as the 4th century BCE.
Unfortunately, much of this early habitation is lost to prehistory, and the first recorded occupation of the Acropolis Hill is attributed to the Myceanaeans, with the construction of an ancient citadel and Megaron-style palace around the 14th century BCE.
Most of the remains of this Bronze Age construction have largely been replaced. However, evidence of Mycenae influences can still be found within the cyclopean wall that continues to fortify the site along the southwestern edge.
The First Acropolis
While there is a lack of recorded history following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization in the 11th century BCE, archaeological evidence suggests that further additions to the Acropolis ceased for at least a few centuries.
During the 6th century BCE, new construction endeavours began to commence, including the Old Temple of Athena Polias, the shrine to Artemis Brauronia, and the Bluebeard Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
The ancient Athenians even began construction on an intricate marble temple known as the Old Parthenon in around 490 BCE. But unfortunately, the Persian invasion in 480 BCE saw the progress of the temple destroyed, along with nearly all other structures atop the summit of the Acropolis at that point.
The Golden Age of Athens
While the razing was devastating, it cleared the hilltop for an even grander project. Following the defeat of the Persians at Eurymedon, a new stage of construction was ordered by Pericles, which saw the development of many of the monuments that continue to stand sentinel over the city today.
By the end of the century, the Acropolis consisted of the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Statue of Athena Promachos.
While Pericles didn’t live to see the completion of his project, which included further the projects of the Hephaestion in the ancient Agora and the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, he did herald in a time of prosperity that has later been deemed the Golden Age of Athens.
A Lasting Legacy
The Acropolis of Athens has remained a beacon of the ancient Greek world for over two millennia since its completion and has served as a centre of religious and political importance for numerous world powers that have fought over it.
In the 6th century CE, Rome converted the Acropolis into a centre of Christianity, with the Parthenon being dedicated to the Virgin Mary and other temples serving as Christian churches. Nearly a millennium later, the Acropolis and its temples were converted into a mosque and storehouses following the area’s conquest by the Turks.
In 1687, the Parthenon was serving as a powder munitions depot when the Venetians attacked. Bombarding the city, the Acropolis and the Parthenon were left in shambles until the establishment of the Committee for Conservation of the Monuments of the Acropolis in 1975.
Working in coalition with the Acropolis Restoration Service, this committee has been committed to restoring the monument as close to the original state as possible, allowing visitors to once again marvel at the magnificent feats of the Ancient Greeks.
Things to See and Do in the Acropolis of Athens
1. The Sacred Precinct
Found atop Acropolis Hill, the Sacred Precinct is the most recognizable section of the Archaeological Site of the Acropolis and contains many of its most iconic monuments, including;
The Parthenon
The most famous and important monument of the Acropolis, the Parthenon Temple was the keystone of Pericles’ construction project. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, it has become one of the most iconic temples in the world today and has worn numerous masks throughout history.
In the 6th century CE, it was a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During the Ottoman Period, it was converted into a mosque and later an ammunition depot. Unfortunately, it was during its time as an ammunition storage that the Venetians bombarded the city, exploding the Parthenon and surrounding monuments of the Athenian Acropolis.
While restoration work started in the 1970s, the Doric temple remains in partial ruins today. Despite this, it still remains one of the most impressive monuments in Greece today and continues to serve as an impressive symbol of Athens.
The Erechtheum
The second most prominent building within the Sacred Precinct, the Erechthum was built along the north side of the Acropolis during the Golden Age of Athens to house a wooden cult statue of Athena.
But beyond its purpose, the iconic temple is famous for its complexity and minute details, particularly its six Caryatid figures along its Porch of the Maidens.
Next to the maidens, along the western side of the temple, is a giant olive tree. According to one of the most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, this is the same tree planted by Athena as she vied for the city’s favour against Poseidon.
While the story may be a myth, the fact is that an olive tree has grown in the same place since ancient times, only to be replaced by a branch of the original fixture following times of war.
The Propylaea
The Propylaea is the monumental entrance marking the beginning of the Sacred Precinct.
Built near the beginning of the Golden Age of Athens, the Propylaea is an impressive structure consisting of a beautiful marble staircase leading up to five towering gateways. Lining the entire structure are Ionic and Doric Columns.
The colossal effect of the Propylaea results in a sense of awe and grandeur as you pass through its historic gates.
The Temple of Athena Nike
A small temple set along the south side of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike is the best-preserved monument within the precinct.
The temple consists of four intricately carved Ionic columns at both its north and south faces. While completed in 421 BCE, these columns were considered outdated for the time period and are believed to have been influenced by an older architectural style known as Kallikrates.
While not as impressive as the larger monuments, the Temple of Athena Nike is still an impressive sight to behold and is a beautiful display along the exterior of the hill.
2. The Southwest Slope
The south slope of the Acropolis was the main route ancient Athenian citizens took to ascend Acropolis Hill. As such, it became a centre of local arts, spirituality, and religion, with many monuments and public buildings lining the path. The following are some of the best remnants of the historical route visitors can still explore today.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Built by Herodes Atticus of Marathon in the 2nd century CE, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was one of the most impressive theatres of the ancient world.
Designed within a natural hollow of the hillside, the theatre could accommodate up to 5,000 people and boasted natural acoustics that carried to even the furthest back seats.
Photos can be taken from both the top and bottom of the theatre, but the best way to experience the wonder of the ancient site is during one of the live performances that are still put on during the summer months.
Sanctuary of Asclepius
Also known as the Asclepeion, the sanctuary of Asclepius was dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius, and the goddess of health, Hygieia.
Like other Asclepeion across Greece, the sanctuary in Athens was seen as a rudimentary hospital and was built during the Peloponnesian war in about 419 BCE.
Today, the sanctuary ruins consist of the remains of a temple with the altar of the gods, a Doric Stoa, and an Ionian Stoa that was once the dining hall for the priests.
Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus
While much smaller than the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the theatre of Dionysus is much older. Built in the 4th century BCE, it was the first theatre built along the slopes of the Acropolis and once held the premiere performances of several famous Greek tragedies written by Sophocles and Euripides.
Near the theatre is the Stoa of Eumenes, which was added to the site a couple of centuries later, around the beginning of the 2nd century BCE.
3. The Acropolis Museum
Located just across the street from the south exit of the Acropolis archaeological site is the Acropolis Museum. While not technically a part of the Acropolis itself, it is definitely worth the visit and houses many of the site’s most important artifacts, including several statues and relics.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Acropolis of Athens?
The best time to visit the Acropolis of Athens is early in the morning for its opening hour. Since it opens at 8:00 am, I suggest arriving a little early to enter as quickly as possible. I also suggest entering through the north entrance and heading straight to the Sacred Precinct atop the hill.
This way, you get the opportunity to tour the most popular area of the site before the mass crowds begin to arrive. This gives you about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the Acropolis before the area is flooded with tour groups from docked cruise ships.
Once finished, you can then head to the southern exit, visiting all the attractions along the southern slope along the way.
How to Get to the Acropolis of Athens, Greece?
As the most popular tourist attraction in Athens and its geographical location in the heart of the city, the Acropolis of Athens is extremely easy to access regardless of where you are staying. Still, most hotels are within walking distance. And those that aren’t are just a short metro ride away.
To get to the Acropolis of Athens, you can take the red line right to Akropolis Metro Station. This lets you off just a short jaunt from the southern entrance, but I recommend walking a little further up the hill to the ticket office at the north entrance.
Where to Stay Near the Acropolis of Athens, Greece?
There are plenty of hotels in Athens to host your visit to the Acropolis. Still, you may as well plan to stay somewhere with a view. The Acropolis View Hotel and the Athens Utopia Ermou are two great options promising easy access to the Acropolis and other nearby Archaeological sites.
FAQS About Acropolis of Athens, Greece
Where is the Acropolis of Athens, Greece?
The Acropolis of Athens sits atop Acropolis Hall, right in the very centre of the city of Athens, Greece. It is 156 metres above sea level and provides breathtaking views of the city.
How Much is Admission at the Acropolis of Athens, Greece?
Tickets to the Acropolis of Athens start at €20 for general admission but are only half the price when visiting during the off-season (November 1 to March 30). I personally suggest purchasing a combined ticket, which for €30 provides admission to the Acropolis and six other archaeological sites in Athens.
How Long Do I Need to Explore the Acropolis of Athens, Greece?
I recommend spending a minimum of 2 hours at the archaeological site. The Acropolis itself can be done in about an hour, after which the crowds become a little too unbearable during peak season. You should spend another hour exploring the southern slope. For the Acropolis Museums, plan to spend an hour to an hour and a half exploring its exhibits.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near the Acropolis of Athens, Greece?
Athens is a beautiful city swimming in history. You can further explore its ancient past at these other archaeological sites within walking distance of the Athenian Acropolis.
- Ancient Agora of Athens (550 m)
- Ancient Roman Agora (550 m)
- Hadrian’s Library (700 m)
- Temple of Olympian Zeus (900 m)
- Kerameikos Archaeological Site (1.4 km)
- Aristotle’s Lyceum (2.3 km
