Acropolis
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The Acropolis, the ancient upper city of Athens, is situated on a hill above the current center and includes some of the city's most important archaeological sites. In addition to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike, it also offers a fantastic view of Athens. It can be very crowded, so it is best to book a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
By Miriam Dewam
By Miriam DewamSelect a date to find available tickets, tours & activities:
Admission Tickets
Buy tickets for the Acropolis in Athens in advance.
Athens: Acropolis Entrance Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
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Guided tours
Learn more about the ruins of the Acropolis during a tour.Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
4.6(4406)
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Athens: Parthenon, Acropolis and Museum Small Group Tour
4.7(1170)
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Athens: Small Group Guided Tour of Acropolis & Parthenon
4.7(732)
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Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
4.8(462)
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More Tickets & Tours
Discover even more products around the Acropolis in Athens.Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
4.8(1823)
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Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
4.8(2283)
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Athens: Private Tour with Acropolis Skip-the-Line Entry
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Acropolis: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
4.7(1160)
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6 tips for visiting the Acropolis
View of the Acropolis above the Monastiraki district | Photo: Unsplash, Andrea Leopardi - CC-BY 2.0
1
Buy your ticket onlineAs the Acropolis is one of the most popular attractions in Athens, particularly during the high season between May and October, long queues form at the ticket counters. Book your ticket in advance online to avoid the crowds.
View of the Acropolis | Photo: Unsplash, Jason Steele - CC-BY 2.0
2
Insider tip - use the south entranceEspecially at the north entrance, a particularly high number of visitors can be expected, as the parking lot for tourist buses is close to it. It is therefore advisable to use the south entrance at the Acropolis Museum to avoid the crowds.
3
Respect the rulesExcavations are constantly taking place on the grounds of the Acropolis. It is therefore important to stick to the marked paths and barriers to avoid damaging of the protected excavation sites. Please note that for safety reasons the buildings of the Acropolis can be explored only from the outside.
4
Wear comfortable footwearThe site of the Acropolis is extensive and hilly, so it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear in order to remain pain-free for the not to be underestimated distances. You should also not forget enough sun protection and drinks to be able to visit the sight comfortably.
Signpost to the Acropolis | Photo: Unsplash, Stefanos Nt - CC-BY 2.0
5
Avoid the hot midday sunThe entire Acropolis is outdoors, so there is hardly any shade-giving roofing, therefore a visit in the early morning or late afternoon is advisable. Plan at least two hours for the visit to the Acropolis. If you also want to visit the adjoining Acropolis Museum, the visit will be correspondingly longer.
The Acropolis Museum | Photo: Unsplash, Arno Senoner - CC-BY 2.0
6
Visit the Acropolis MuseumAlso on the grounds of the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum which opened in 2009 and houses most of the recovered archaeological findings such as sculptures. These also include the original maiden figures, the Caryatids, of the Erechtheion.
The Acropolis | Photo: Unsplash, Kostas Vourou - CC-BY 2.0
Acropolis: The center of ancient Greece
The most complex and flawless Greek antique complex stands on a hill 156m (512 ft) high. The area of 116 ha (287 acres) is surrounded by a fortress wall and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.Athens splendor
In 448 BC, when Athens became the center of the Hellenic world, it came to power and wealth. The buildings which are still visible today represent the result of the victory over the Persians and also symbolize Athens' power over the Delian League of the city-states. The former buildings on the Acropolis were destroyed by a fire when the Persians plundered Athens in 480 BC. The newly erected temples were meant to serve as a form of propaganda that would send a message to the rest of the ancient world. These include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Nike. Democracy, philosophy, theater, and the freedom of expression as well as freedom of speech were born on this hill.
Temple of Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike is the first Ionic temple on the Acropolis, most of the others are built in the Doric style. It was built after military victories in honor of Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. The construction of the temple was completed in 425 BC; compared to the other temples on the Acropolis, it appears delicate and graceful. Highlights include the sculptural frieze and the balustrades with the goddesses of victory.
The Parthenon | Photo: Unsplash, Spencer Davis - CC-BY 2.0
Parthenon
The central and thus most outstanding building of the Acropolis is also the main attraction for most visitors. The Parthenon is the largest temple in Greek history, was built in the 5th century BC and is dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Over time, the Parthenon was often damaged and misused. Initially, it was used as a church, and later as a mosque. Inside the imposing building there once was an ivory statue of the goddess Athena, which was adorned with gold. Like other statues of the goddess, it was taken to Constantinople in 465 AD and destroyed by infuriated Christians in 1203.
The Erechtheion | Photo: Unsplash, Kieran Everett - CC-BY 2.0
Erechtheion
The Erechtheion temple was built between 420 and 406 BC and is the most asymmetric structure of ancient Greece. The central building is the Naos, adorned by 6 m high columns. The highlight of this building is the Korenhalle, which is supported by six large female figures, the maidens from Karyai, the Caryatids. However, the figures are only replicas, five of the originals are in the Acropolis Museum, one in the British Museum. The temple housed important relics of the city: traces of Poseidon's trident, a salt source created by him in the conflict with Athena, and the grave of the legendary King Kekrops I. The Erechtheion temple has also been repurposed as a church, government seat, and harem.
Propylaea
The Propylaea form the unfinished gate building from the 5th century BC, which served on the one hand as access to the sacred sites of the Acropolis and on the other hand as a picture gallery. In the 13th century, they were transformed into a prince's residence and command post. It is the first building in which two architectural styles, the Ionic and Doric style, were combined. The gate building with its marble columns between eight and ten meters high is the most complex and significant column structure of its kind. Today it is home to the Beulé Gate, which represents the current exit of the Acropolis.
The Fortress Wall
The fortress wall, known as the Pelargikon or the Pelasgic Wall was erected for defense in the 13th century. As Athens became a democracy, the Temple Mount was further developed and lost its original function. During the time of Thucydides, the wall was said to have been several meters high, but today only a bevel is visible, as the foundation of the original wall is below the level of today's hill.
The Herodes Atticus Theater | Photo: Unsplash, Jim Niakaris - CC-BY 2.0
Herodes Atticus Theatre
The Herodes Atticus Theatre was erected around the year 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife. The theater is semi-circular in shape and has a diameter of 76 m (249 ft). At that time, it could hold up to 5000 people. Today, the theater is still used as part of the Athens Festival, the Hellenic Festival.
Restorations at the Parthenon | Photo: Unsplash, sfmmy - CC-BY 2.0
The demolition
Since the 1980s, only essential excavations have been carried out in order to carry out a gentle restoration on the historical monument. To this end, theoretical and scientifically based design methods are used to restore the originally intended character. Also only tools and techniques are applied that resemble those of the time. In addition, as was the case back then, marble is obtained from Mount Penteli for the restorations. The restorations are financed by the Greek government and the EU.
The new Acropolis Museum
Since 2009, the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the mountain can be visited. It was designed by the architect Bernard Tschumi and includes most of the recovered archaeological finds such as sculptures. Here you can still see, among other things, the original sculptures of the Caryatids from the Erechtheion, some figures from the pediment and other friezes. However, to this day, some sculptures that were brought to London by Lord Elgin in the 19th century are also in the British Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acropolis barrier-free accessible?
The Acropolis is designed to be barrier-free, however, some parts of the area are uneven or hard to explore. Read more.
Is there parking available?
Please note that there are no car parking spaces in the area.. You can park for free on the street in the Koukaki district. Read more.
Are you allowed to carry bags and backpacks during the visit?
Small luggage items such as bags and backpacks can be taken into the Acropolis. Please note that there are no storage facilities available. Read more.
Is it allowed to take photos and videos on the premises?
Videos and photos for personal use can be made during the visit. Read more.
General information
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address
Acropolis Hill
10555 Athens
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Written byMiriam DewamMiriam is keen on traveling and has a passion for photography, which she can enhance through her cross-media studies. She uses her knowledge as well as first hand experience from diverse travels to help other travellers as a content creator at TicketLens.
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