Acropolis Tours | Discover the Rich History of this Ancient World Heritage Site
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, Athens Acropolis represents the rich culture and history of Greece. The ancient citadel is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites comprising ruins of several age-old historic monuments and buildings like the Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis Museum, Erechtheion, the Theatre of Dionysus, and Propylaea, to name a few.
Built atop a massive hill, the Acropolis of Athens has served as a citadel, point of worship, royal residency, and administrative building. It has faced several bombings, earthquakes, and vandalism but has risen above it all to narrate its fascinating story to the world. Read on to know how an Acropolis guided tour can help you best explore this architectural and archaeological marvel.
Why Take an Acropolis Tour?
Acropolis boasts a rich history and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece. Here are a few reasons why you should take an Acropolis tour.
.jpg?auto=format&w=814.9333333333333&h=458.4&q=90&fit=crop&ar=16%3A9)
- The Acropolis tour is your best bet if you wish to learn more about the attraction because it includes an expert who knows the place like the back of their hand.
- Guided tours come with a skip the line feature that will allow you to avoid waiting in long queues for hours by guaranteeing priority access to the attraction.
- The Acropolis guided tour offers an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Acropolis, its art, architecture, and culture.
- The site is huge and impossible to cover in a day, which is why we recommend booking a guided tour because it is the best way to explore the attraction more efficiently and smoothly.
- With millions of tourists visiting the Acropolis annually, the attraction is almost always crowded. Access gets easier and hassle-free with guided tours.
All Your Acropolis Tour Options
Highlights Covered on Your Acropolis Tour
Propylaea
Built between 437 BC and 432 BC, the Propylaea is the grand gateway to the Acropolis of Athens. It features six towering columns made of marble and limestone. It is an impressive and striking staircase that leads to the top of the Acropolis. Comprising two porticos on the east and west along with a central doorway in the front, the Propylaea is an architectural marvel with intricate details that add to the grandeur of the Acropolis.
Parthenon
One of the most popular sites at the Acropolis, the Parthenon was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena Parthenos. An example of Doric architecture, the Parthenon features elaborate sculptures, mosaics, and ionic columns made of marble. It first served as a cathedral and was then converted into a mosque. The structure has undergone several restoration projects over the years with the aim to preserve this important symbol of Greek history.
Know More
The Theatre of Dionysus
One of the oldest architectural complexes on the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus was built in the fourth century BC and is dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek God of wine and good times. The Greek tragedies of Euripides and Sophocles were performed at this sprawling theatre, which could accommodate almost 20,000 people making it the largest public space in the ancient city of Athens. It is believed that the government of Athens at the time also held several meetings at this iconic place.
Temple of Athena Nike
Constructed between 426 BC and 421 BC, the Temple of Athena Nike was the first ionic temple built at the Acropolis. Located right next to the Propylaea, the temple was built in honor of Greek goddesses Athena and Nike, the protectors of Athens. However, the Turks demolished it in 1686. The temple has, since then, undergone quite a few restorations. It was rebuilt in 1834 only to be pulled down and reconstructed again in 1998.
Know More
Erechtheion
Another temple dedicated to Greek gods and goddesses, the Erechtheion was named after Erechtheus, the mythical king. This ionic structure was built between 421 BC and 406 BC and shares ground with the Old Temple of Athena and Pandroseion. Do not miss the Caryatids – six female statues that support the roof of the temple. Located on the northern side of the Acropolis, the Erechtheion is believed to be the mastermind of architect Mnesicles and is a must-see on your visit to the ancient citadel.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built in 162 AD as a theatre that could accommodate about 5,000 people. Located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, this theatre was built by politician Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla. This massive structure is made entirely of stone and is still used as a venue for concerts and cultural events in Athens.
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum
Established in 1874, the Acropolis Museum is home to the findings of the archaeological site of Acropolis from the first excavation. Spread over four levels, the museum houses over 4,000 artifacts from the Archaic, Classical, and Roman periods, as well as ancient Greek art, uncovered from the Acropolis excavation site.
The artifacts offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of Athenians during the time. The museum also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Know MoreGuided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided Tours
- A tour guide will accompany you on your Acropolis guided tour and provide you with all the information you need to know.
- The skip the line feature will allow you to walk past huge crowds and access the attraction on priority.
- Acropolis guided tours have a fixed itinerary that includes all the important attractions you should visit within the Acropolis.
- Guided tours usually include a small group of people for a more complete and interactive experience.
Non-Guided Tours
- With a regular ticket, you can take your time to explore the attraction.
- You can get yourself an audio guide to know more about the history of the attraction and the different points of interest you should visit inside it.
- You will not be able to skip the line or walk past long queues to enter the attraction with a general admission ticket. This means that you might have to wait for your turn to enter the site. The average waiting time to get in is between 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acropolis Tours
A. Yes. Acropolis tours are available for booking.
A. You can book an Acropolis tour online.
A. Acropolis tours start at €49.50.
A. There are three types of Acropolis tours that you can choose from - Acropolis Guided Tour with Skip the Line Entry, Athens Full Day Group Tour with Acropolis, Ancient Greece Tour & Cape Sounio, and Acropolis and Acropolis Museum: Ancient Athens Tour with Skip the Line Tickets. Book your tickets here.
A. The Acropolis tours include access to all sections that are open to the public like the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Athena Nike, Theater of Dionysus, and more.
A. The Acropolis guided tours are available in four languages – English, French, German, and Spanish.
A. The Acropolis guided tour covers all the major points of interest inside the Acropolis including the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Athena Nike, Theatre of Dionysus, and more. You also get a chance to marvel at the artworks on display at the Acropolis Museum.
A. It depends on the type of Acropolis guided tour you book. The small group guided tour can accommodate up to 10 people while the other guided tours have a maximum limit of 25 guests.
A. Yes. The Acropolis guided tour is worth it because it’s the best way to explore this iconic architectural marvel and learn all about its history. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece and a must-visit while you’re in Athens.
A. Yes. The Acropolis guided tours include skip the line access.
A. Yes. You can cancel a booked Acropolis tour ticket up to 24 hours before the scheduled date and get a full refund.
A. The Acropolis guided tours can be anywhere between 2 to 10 hours long, depending on the tour you choose.
A. No. There are no discounted tickets available for the Acropolis tours.
More Reads
Plan Your Visit
Skip the Line at Acropolis
