

A UNESCO world heritage site, it stands proudly in the centre of the modern city of Athens, preserving the splendour of the past. It is the greatest sanctuary of ancient Athens which is perched on the top of the hill, dedicated (primarily) to its patron, the goddess Athena, and to this day, is unreachable from every side except from the west, where the impressive Propylaia structures dominate.

According to historical sources, the hill was initially inhabited during the Neolithic Era. Then, in 6th century BC the first temples were built, which were soon destroyed by the Persians. It finally reached its peak in the 5th century during the Golden Age of Perikles, when the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia and the temple of Athena a.k.a. Athena Nike were completed.

The Acropolis was severely damaged during the Ottoman occupation, and Lord Elgin who, shortly before the Greek War of Independence of 1821, looted the frieze of the Parthenon, its metopes, its porches, a Karyatida and a column from the Erechtheion and transported them to England. Nowadays, the aforementioned are still in the British Museum but the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis accommodates the most significant monuments in the country and is the greatest site and trademark of the capital.

While the reconstruction works continue in order to keep the treasures accommodated in this space, visitors can admire the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, some other temples and of course the beautiful view of modern Athens from the top of the hill.

Makrygianni Stop
Acropolis (Red Line)
Go straight out of the metro station to Makrygianni Street, then turn right at the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areopagitou (vertical).
Open all year round
Daily: 08.00-20.00 (April- October), Daily: 08.00-15.00, last admission: 14.30, (28/10-March)
€20, €10 (reduced)/ summer, €10/ winter