Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon

Overview

The Acropolis is the emblem of Greek civilisation, standing on a limestone hill 156 metres above sea level overlooking Athens. Its most important building is the Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 BC and dedicated to Athena. In the Doric order, it is celebrated for perfect proportion and masterly sculpture; despite millennia of weathering and damage, its ruins still convey classical splendour.

History

Construction on the Acropolis began in the 5th century BC and peaked under Pericles. The Parthenon was designed by Ictinus and Callicrates with sculpture by Phidias. Over the centuries the temple served as a Christian church and then a mosque, and was shelled during the Venetian siege in the 17th century; many of its marbles were taken to the British Museum by Lord Elgin.

Highlights

• •The Acropolis and Athens merging into a golden panorama at sunset
• •The perfect proportions of the Parthenon colonnade
• •Original sculpture and architectural fragments in the Acropolis Museum
• •The Theatre of Dionysus, where Greek drama was born

Practical tips

• •Summer is very hot; arriving at the 8:00 opening is coolest
• •The ticket covers several nearby monuments, excellent value
• •Wear flat shoes, as the stone paths are slippery
• •The Theatre of Dionysus still hosts concerts and plays

Practical information

Best time

April to June, September to October

Tickets

Combined ticket EUR 20, covering the Acropolis and five nearby monuments

Opening hours

8:00 to 20:00, closing earlier in low season

Local food

Gyros, Greek salad and tzatziki

Getting around

Metro and tram cover the Acropolis area, and the airport is reached directly on the blue metro line

Visa

Greece is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Apply early for the island season from June to September and check ferry connections.

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