The most iconic landmark in the whole of Greece, the citadel of the Acropolis sits on top of a hill in the middle of Athens with its most famous building, the Parthenon. Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Acropolis must not be missed while you are in Athens, so here is a guide for this remarkable landmark with general tips and historical facts to help you make the most out of your visit.
General Tips
Being as popular as it already is, the Acropolis receives many tourists every year, with 2.5 million in 2018 alone. Expect crowds, especially during the summer months of late June to early September, which is peak travelling season for most of the world. If possible, try to go during spring or autumn, which will not only have less crowds but cooler weather too. If you’re not adverse to the cold, try visiting Greece during the winter, especially in January where the temperature is slightly warmer at the tail-end of winter.
For those that are not intending to join a guided tour, do make sure to purchase your tickets online in order to avoid the long queues at the ticketing booths. If you are only planning on visiting the Acropolis, here are the prices:
Summer (1st April - 31st October): €20
Winter (1st November - 31st March): €10
For a better deal, buy a combination ticket at €30 (same price for both seasons). This ticket is valid for five days and allows you access to the Acropolis plus several other landmarks around Athens, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora.
As the Acropolis is on top of a hill, do remember to wear appropriate footwear as there is plenty of climbing to do. With some of the steps unchanged since the Acropolis was first built, along with the uneven ground on the hill, a good pair of shoes will make the experience that much safer and more comfortable.
During the summer months, Athens can get very hot, reaching a high of 32°C. With all the climbing plus the lack of trees and shade at the top of the hill, appropriate clothing is definitely important as well as sufficient sunblock and water. As for the winter season, Athens experiences milder temperatures of around 15°C, but being on top of the hill, a trip up to the Acropolis can be windy and chilly, so make sure to prepare for that too.
The Landmarks
Once you’ve begun your ascent to the Acropolis, that’s when the experience really begins. Before you reach the top, you will encounter some of the Acropolis’ other important structures. During your climb, you’ll pass by and will definitely want to stop by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a magnificent open-air theatre built into the slope of the hill. From where you stand, you’ll be able to look down into the theatre, with its 35 rows of marble seats, capable of seating more than 4000 people. Though this is a reconstruction and recreation of the original Odeon, which was destroyed 100 years after it was first built, this theatre is still stunning in its beautiful architecture and sheer size.
As you near the top of the hill, you will find yourself surrounded by the short stone walls of the ancient citadel, and at the very top, you will be faced with the Propylaea, the entryway to the Acropolis. The remaining columns of this grand hallway stand tall above you as you walk through the middle archway, under the stones which welcomed so many others thousands of years ago.
You might think of heading straight to the Parthenon, but do not miss the Erechtheion, a temple near the entrance that was built to honour Athena and Poseidon. While this temple is significantly smaller than the Parthenon, it is still famous for its "Porch of the Maidens", where six supporting columns are sculpted to appear like female figures, also known as caryatids.
A single tree stands near the Erechtheion, and that is Athena’s Olive Tree. When Poseidon and Athena were competing to be the patron God of the city, Poseidon created a saltwater spring while Athena planted an olive tree, supposedly in that very spot. The olive tree was found to be more useful in producing both wood and olives, thus Athena was chosen. The tree standing on the site might not be the original one, but it still plays an important role in Athens’s history and mythology.
Across from the Erechtheion, on the other side of the entrance is the Temple of Athena Nike. Another smaller temple, it was built to honour Athena Nike, a form of Athena that promised victory, which was especially worshipped during the period of the Peloponnesian War.
Finally, the Parthenon. Standing at 14 metres tall, this massive temple was built to honour Athena, after whom the city was named. While much of the original structure is gone, many columns still remain, along with most of its foundation. While entry into the temple is not allowed, you will still be able to stand near the base of the temple and marvel at how the Ancient Greeks were able to build such a magnificent structure all those years ago.
From this high up, you will have the best panoramic views of Athens below. As you walk around the grounds of the Acropolis, not only will you get to see the sprawling city, you will also be able to spot other sites, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Lycabettus.
On the south side of the Acropolis, look down and you’ll see the Theatre of Dionysus, another theatre built into the side of the hill. Although smaller than the Odeon, you can actually enter this theatre when you make your way down the hill, so be sure to take a seat and imagine yourself watching a play during Ancient times.
For the Gram
Pictures are a must at the Acropolis, and during your visit, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get the perfect shot.
As you approach the Propylaea, find a nice corner of the stairs a level or two below the top of the hill. You’ll be able to get a good view of the building, and a good photo. If you’re lucky and it is less crowded, you might be able to stand in the archway and have someone take a picture of you there.
Of course, what is a trip to the Acropolis without a picture of the Parthenon? However, due to the state and age of the ruins, there is constant work being done, which means that scaffolding and cranes are unavoidable in photos taken from most wide angles. Yet, this doesn’t take away from the beauty of the temple and with the rocky surface of the ground, you can sit with the grand facade of the Parthenon behind you.
Head over to the flagpole at the northeast corner. From there, you’ll have a great shot of the Parthenon against the sky, and if the angle is right, you will be able to capture the Erechtheion too.
While you’re at the flagpole, look out from the walls and you’ll have a fantastic view of the city, making for a nice picture as well. The flagpole itself makes for a nice photo opportunity with the Greek flag flying proudly on a windy day.
If you want pictures of more than just ruins, there are many several cats and dogs roaming around the area. While you shouldn’t disturb them, if they’re resting, be sure to take a quick snap of these furry creatures.
After
Once you’re done with your visit, escape the heat (or the cold, depending on the season) by visiting the Acropolis Museum, located a few minutes away from the base of the hill. To avoid the ticketing queues, make sure to purchase your ticket online at these prices:
Summer (1st April - 31st October): €10
Winter (1st November - 31st March): €5
Website: https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/etickets/ticketing.php?la=2
Discounted prices are also available for students and seniors, while children under 5 years of age are allowed in free.
In this museum, you’ll find artefacts from the ruins of the Acropolis, including offerings, statues, as well as the pediments and friezes from the Parthenon itself. Explore the museum and learn more about the Acropolis’ past as you discover how this important landmark came to be.
Under the museum lies an archaeological excavation site which you can observe at the entrance and through a glass floor inside the museum. At this site, you’ll see the remains of streets, residences and baths that used to be part of a neighbourhood which existed thousands of years ago.
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42
Opening Hours:
Exhibitions
Winter (1st November - 31st March):
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm (last admission: 4:30pm)
Friday: 9am - 10pm (last admission: 9:30pm)
Saturday - Sunday: 9am - 8pm (last admission: 7:30pm)
Summer (1st April - 31st October):
Monday: 8am - 4pm (last admission: 3:30pm)
Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 8pm (last admission: 7:30pm)
Friday: 8am - 10pm (last admission: 9:30pm)
Archeological Excavation
Winter (1st November - 31st March):
Monday - Sunday: 9am - 5pm (last admission: 4:30pm)
Summer (1st April - 31st October):
Monday: 8am - 4pm (last admission: 3:30pm)
Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 8pm (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
And that’s all you need to know about the Acropolis. Hopefully, it will be useful in preparing you and making your visit to this famous site the best it can be.
