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Quick Information

ADDRESS

Athens 105 58, Greece

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

08:00–20:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

6000000

TICKETS

From $34.92

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

3

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1987

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Acropolis means ‘high city’ in Greek, and it was not originally built as a tourist attraction, but as a fortified citadel.

The Parthenon, the most iconic structure of the Acropolis, was once transformed into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire during their rule.

The Erechtheion temple on Acropolis is said to have a sacred olive tree that was gifted by the Greek goddess Athena herself.

What to see at the Acropolis of Athens

Parthenon

The Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its construction began around 447 BCE when the Greek Empire's prosperity was at its peak. Despite its age and numerous historical events, the Parthenon is an enduring symbol of classical Greek civilization.

Parthenon

Temple of Athena Nike

This temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike, the bringer of success in battle. Its graceful design and intricate friezes showcase the artistic achievements of ancient Greece. Built around 420 BCE, it currently stands as the first fully Ionic temple at the Acropolis of Athens.

Temple of Athena Nike

Erechtheum

The Erechtheum, also known as the Erechtheion, was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. The Porch of the Caryatids, with its beautifully sculpted female figures, is a notable feature of the Erechtheum. Its distinctive design combines Ionic and Doric elements and houses multiple shrines.

Erechtheion

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

On the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens lies the majestic Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This theater was built in 161 C.E. by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. During its 106 years of existence, it could accommodate crowds of up to 5000 people.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Propylaea

The grand gateway to the Acropolis, the Propylaea served as the monumental entrance to the sacred complex. Its marble columns and balanced design mark the transition from the everyday world to the divine.

Propylaea

Theatre of Dionysus

Considered the birthplace of Greek drama, the Theatre of Dionysus hosted performances of plays by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus. It could seat thousands and celebrate art, myth, and culture.

Theatre of Dionysus

Aristotle’s Lyceum

Once the famed school founded by Aristotle, the Lyceum was a center of philosophy, science, and discussion. Its ruins now offer a glimpse into the intellectual heart of ancient Athens.

Aristotle’s Lyceum

Roman Agora

Built during the Roman era, the Roman Agora was the city’s bustling marketplace. It featured grand colonnades, shops, and the striking Tower of the Winds that served as both a sundial and weather station.

Know more about Roman Agora

History of the Acropolis

History of the Acropolis of athens
  • Settlements at the site of the Acropolis of Athens can be traced back to the 4th Century BCE under the reign of the politician Pericles. His prominent contributions were the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
  • Many of the adjoining structures were renovated during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. The Parthenon was converted into a church during the Byzantine years. The Latins also used the Acropolis of Athens as the city’s main administrative center. 
  • After the Ottoman conquest, the Erechtheion was converted into the Governor’s private harem, and the Parthenon was used to garrison the Turkish army.
  • Later, the Ottoman, Frankish, and Byzantine elements of the Acropolis of Athens were cleared in an attempt to restore the original glory of the stronghold.
Acropolis of Athens history

Who built the Acropolis of Athens?

The Acropolis of Athens was built and developed over several centuries. It was initially fortified by the Mycenaeans in the Bronze Age. However, the most significant and iconic structures, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheum, were built during the Golden Age of Athens in the 5th century BCE. The Acropolis served as the primary political and religious center in ancient Greece.

The construction of these magnificent temples and monuments was carried out under the leadership of Greek politician Pericles by renowned architects and sculptors, such as Ictinus, Callicrates, and Phidias. The vision and efforts of these skilled artisans, along with the support of the Athenian people, led to the creation of one of the most celebrated architectural complexes in history.

The Acropolis of Athens: A marvel of ancient architecture

Architecture of the Acropolis

Dominating the city’s skyline, the iconic Acropolis of Athens features a collection of impressive temples and structures.

  • The most renowned temple on the Acropolis, the Parthenon, is a Doric masterpiece. It boasts perfect proportions and a symmetrical design, showcasing the principles of Greek harmony and balance.
  • Until about the 5th Century BCE, the Acropolis was enclosed by a massive wall, 760 metres long and about 10 metres high.
  • The older Parthenon was built around 500 BCE using Piraeus limestone. The foundation for this grand structure was 11 metres deep at places. 
  • The construction of the temple of Erechtheion was planned in Pentelic marble. The complex architecture of the structure required the circumventing of the rock’s terrain and other buildings in the area.
  • Centuries later, during the Julio-Claudian period, a small Temple of Rome and Augustus was built just 23 meters away from the Parthenon. This was the final major addition to the Acropolis of Athens site.
Acropolis of Athens architecture

The Acropolis of Athens today: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Due to its immense historical, cultural, and artistic significance, the Acropolis of Athens was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Home to architectural masterpieces such as the Parthenon, it is a symbol of classical Greek civilization, considered the birthplace of democracy, and represents the central role played by Ancient Greece in world history.

For its rich cultural value, including its association with democracy, profound influence on Western architecture, and contribution to classical Greek art, the UNESCO designation is a commitment to protecting and preserving the legacy of this ancient landmark.

Today, the Acropolis of Athens is a cultural and historical icon and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

​Plan your visit to the Acropolis of Athens >

Frequently asked questions about the Acropolis of Athens

The best time to visit the Acropolis is early in the morning (right at opening) or late in the afternoon. Arriving between 8am and 10am lets you enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making for a more comfortable visit. If you prefer a later visit, aim for 5pm to 7pm (depending on closing hours) to avoid peak crowds and capture the Acropolis in the soft, golden light—perfect for photos.

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