The world renowned Acropolis of Athens stands as a testament to ancient Greek civilization, a majestic citadel perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking “The Ancient City”. This iconic landmark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has captivated visitors for centuries with its stunning architecture, rich history and magnificent views. At the heart of the Acropolis lies the Parthenon, a masterpiece of classical architecture dedicated to the goddess Athena. This magnificent temple, with its iconic Doric columns and intricate sculptures, exemplifies the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Greek builders.
The Acropolis has witnessed centuries of history, from its origins as a fortified settlement to its role as a religious and cultural center. It has endured earthquakes, wars, and the passage of time, yet its grandeur remains undeniable. We visited the Acropolis of Athens on Oxi Day so all entry fees were waved. Normally admission is €20 during the Peak Season (April 1st-October 31st) and €10 Off-Season (November 1st-March 31st). Aside from the colder Winter months it is always crowded and, as with all heavily trafficked tourist attractions, it is best to keep your valuables safely tucked away.
Jump to a specific area.
Dionysiou Areopagitou
Your journey begins walking along the Dionysiou Areopagitou. This pedestrian street, named after a prominent figure in ancient Athenian history, offers live entertainment, street vendors, the Acropolis Museum Archeological Excavation and, of course, breathtaking views of the Acropolis and Ymittos, Greece. You’ll encounter a fascinating blend of ancient and modern architecture, with archaeological sites seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The street is also lined with cafes and restaurants, providing perfect spots to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Whether you’re an avid history buff or simply seeking a leisurely walk, Dionysiou Areopagitou offers a unique and enriching experience in the heart of Athens.
Roman Cistern
The Roman Cistern at the foot of the Acropolis is the remains of an ancient underground water reservoir built during the Roman era. Situated beneath the Acropolis hill, it served as a crucial part of the city’s water supply system. With typical Roman engineering brilliance, the cistern featured a series of vaulted chambers supported by rows of sturdy columns. This unique architectural design not only provided a substantial water storage capacity but also created a remarkably cool and atmospheric environment within the cistern itself.
Beulé Gate
The Beulé Gate is a fortified entrance to the Acropolis of Athens, built during the Roman period. Constructed primarily from repurposed materials taken from an earlier Hellenistic monument this imposing structure served as a key defensive point for the Acropolis of Athens. Its primary purpose was to guard the entrance to the Propylaea, the grand ceremonial gateway to the ancient citadel. The gate is named for French archaeologist Charles Ernest Beulé who discovered the gate while excavating the Propylaea in 1852.
Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike, a small yet distinctively exquisite structure on the southwest corner of the Acropolis, is dedicated to the goddess of victory. Built in the 5th century BC of Pentelic marble, it showcases the elegance of Ionic architecture with its delicate single stone columns, intricate friezes and amphiprostyle floor plan. Despite its relatively small size, the Temple of Athena Nike served as a powerful symbol of Athenian military success and remains a captivating example of classical Greek artistry and a cherished landmark atop the Acropolis.
Monument of Agrippa
The Monument, or Pedestal, of Agrippa is a prominent landmark on the Acropolis of Athens, though it doesn’t refer to a specific building or structure. It actually designates a large pedestal located west of the Propylaea. Originally erected to honor Eumenes II of Pergamon for his chariot racing victory in the Panathenaic Games, it was later rededicated to Marcus Agrippa, a Roman general and close adviser to Emperor Augustus. This rededication reflects the Roman influence that permeated Athens during that period. While the original statues that adorned the pedestal no longer exist, the imposing structure itself remains a unique historical artifact.
Propylaea
The Propylaea is the monumental ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis of Athens. Built during the 5th century BC as part of Pericles’ ambitious building program, it served as the grand entrance to the sacred precinct. Designed by the architect Mnesikles, the Propylaea features a central passage flanked by imposing columns, creating a visually striking and awe-inspiring entrance to the Acropolis. This architectural masterpiece served as a symbolic partition between the religious and the secular areas of “The Ancient City”.
Erechtheion
The Erechtheion is an iconic hexastyle temple, dedicated to the goddess of war Athena, renowned for its unique architectural features and intricate details. Built in the 5th century BC, the Erechtheion is most famous for its Porch of the Maidens, supported by six sculpted female figures known as Caryatids. This innovative architectural solution elegantly addresses the sloping terrain of the Acropolis. The temple also incorporates elements from earlier structures, reflecting the complex history and layered mythology associated with this sacred site.
Parthenon
The Parthenon, a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture, stands as the crowning glory of the Acropolis of Athens. Dedicated to the city’s patron goddess, Athena, its construction began in 447 BC under the leadership of Pericles, during the Golden Age of Athens as a tribute to the Hellenic triumph over the Persian Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars. Designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, the Parthenon exemplifies the Doric order of Greek architecture, renowned for its simplicity and grandeur.
The temple’s harmonious proportions, with its perfectly balanced colonnades and meticulously crafted details, have captivated observers for centuries. It is considered a peripteral octastyle Doric temple with Ionic architectural features. The Parthenon was not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Athenian power and cultural achievement. Its sculptural adornments, including the magnificent frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession, are considered among the finest examples of classical Greek art. The base is measured at 228’ (69.5m) in length, 101’ 30.9m) in width and stands at a height of 45’ (13.72m).
Tragically, the Parthenon has suffered significant damage over the centuries from multiple fires, a sacking by Heruli pirates in 276 AD, Roman conversions to a Christian church in 435 AD and a Venetian mortar round in 1687 that ignited an Ottoman gunpowder magazine. Despite these trials, the physical structure of the Partenon has remained largely unchanged. The enduring beauty and historical significance of the Parthenon continue to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world. It remains an iconic symbol of ancient Greece and a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of its creators.
Temple of Rome & Augustus
The Temple of Rome and Augustus, located just northeast of the Parthenon, was a significant monument built during the Roman era. Constructed in the late 1st century BC, it served as a powerful symbol of Roman dominance over Athens. This circular temple, dedicated to the deified Rome and Emperor Augustus, was a deliberate act of Romanization, showcasing the city’s acceptance of Roman rule. Its presence on the sacred ground of the Acropolis underscored the shift in power dynamics and the integration of Roman culture into Athenian society. Though only remnants of the temple remain today there are still sections of columns and decorative capitals to be seen.
Greek Flag of Athens
At the northeast end of the Acropolis of Athens is a viewing platform from where you have pristine views of the Plaka, the Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus and surrounding hills including the Lycabettus Hill. The Greek flag flying atop the Acropolis in Athens is a powerful symbol of national pride and historical continuity. It serves as a visual reminder of the country’s rich history, from its ancient glory to its modern identity. The flag’s presence on this iconic site connects the present with the past, inspiring a sense of national unity and reverence for the enduring legacy of Greece.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, often referred to as the “Herodeon,” is a remarkable stone theater situated on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. Built in the 2nd century AD by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Roman philosopher and politician, as a memorial to his wife Regilla, it showcases a blend of Greek and Roman architectural styles. Originally roofed with cedar wood, the Herodeon hosted a variety of performances, from music concerts to theatrical productions. Today, meticulously restored, it remains a vibrant venue for cultural events, offering a unique and unforgettable experience against the breathtaking backdrop of the Acropolis. In 2024 the theater hosted Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca”, the Philharmonia Orchestra of London and Aeschylus’ “The Suppliants” to name a few.
Stoa of Eumenes ΙΙ
The Stoa of Eumenes II was a monumental two-story colonnaded walkway located on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. Built around 160 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon, this impressive structure served as a grand entrance to the Theater of Dionysus. The stoa, adorned with Doric and Ionic columns made of Hymettian and Pentelic marble with a breccia and limestone foundation, provided shelter for theatergoers during performances and likely housed shops and other amenities. Its construction demonstrated the close ties between Athens and Pergamon during the Hellenistic period. The original construction was 535’ (163m) in length and a width of 58’ (17.65m).
Temple of Asklepios
The Temple of Asklepios in Athens, dedicated to the god of medicine and healing, was a significant ancient Greek sanctuary. Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, it served as a center for healing rituals and medical practices. Built in the 4th century BCE, the temple was one of the most important centers of healing in the ancient world. The temple complex also included a sacred spring, believed to have healing properties, and various structures for the care of patients. While much of the original temple has been lost to time, the site remains an important testament to the ancient Greeks’ reverence for both medicine and the gods.
Theatre of Dionysus
The Theatre of Dionysus in Athens is considered the birthplace of Western drama. Located on the south slope of the Acropolis, this ancient Greek theater was dedicated to the god Dionysus, the god of wine and theater. Built into the hillside, it hosted the City Dionysia, a major festival featuring dramatic competitions. The theatre, which dates back to the 6th century BCE, was the venue for the city’s annual dramatic festivals, including the famous Dionysia, where playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides premiered their works. The structure originally consisted of a wooden stage and seating made of earth, but it was gradually expanded with stone seating and a more elaborate stage, accommodating up to 17,000 spectators.
View of Athens from the Acropolis
The views from around the Acropolis of Athens offer breathtaking panoramas of both ancient and modern Greece. To the north you can see the Ancient Agora with the iconic Temple of Hephaestus. To the east, the modern city of Athens unfolds, with its dense urban landscape blending with the natural beauty of Mount Lycabettus. Looking east you see the Plaka, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Athens National Garden and the Panathenaic Stadium. To the south is the Philopappos Monument resting atop Mouseion Hill with the blue waters of the Aegean Sea stretching out towards the Saronic Gulf providing a truly dramatic backdrop. To the west you look down upon the Areopagus Hill, once the site of the high court of appeal for judicial cases in ancient Greece. Every view is spectacular and encompasses the unique blend of the modern and the ancient in one glorious city.
View of the Acropolis around Athens
Because of its proximity and height, the Acropolis of Athens can be seen from a multitude of places throughout the city. Each of the differing vantage points offers a unique perspective of the historic mount. As you walk along the Dionysiou Areopagitou you get side and facing views of the Parthenon. From the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Greek Flag of Athens and the west side of the Parthenon are clearly visible. Possibly the best view of the Acropolis, and “The Ancient City”, are seen from the Lycabettus Hill.
From the Athens National Garden the Acropolis can be seen through a clump of Juniper trees located in front of the Zappeion Hall. The Ancient Agora offers an excellent view of the south side of the hill, specifically of the Temple of Athena Nike. As you drive around town keep an eye out in between buildings as several streets provide partial views of Acropolis. To round it out there are several vantage points throughout the city, such as the Stork Rooftop Restaurant, for stunning evening viewing of the Acropolis lit up in all of its glory.
Visiting the Acropolis of Athens is a truly unforgettable experience. It offers a unique blend of culture, ancient history, architectural genius and panoramic views that help make “The Ancient City” such a pleasure to visit.
We’d love to hear about your adventures so please leave us a Comment below. Thank you and happy traveling!
