Sitting tall above the city of Athens, the sacred rock of the Acropolis and its monuments is an iconic site rich in historic and mythical symbolism. The Acropolis of Athens is a naturally fortified site that has undergone many transformations and alterations where walking around it's easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and significance.
The Acropolis was a sanctuary for ancient Athens hosting religious festivals, early cults and important historical events. This sacred table hill is home to 11 site monuments showcasing different styles of Classical art including the Parthenon, which was built between 447 and 438 BC, the Classical Temple of Athena Nike and the majestic Propylaea structure. Considered the touchstone of ancient Greek civilisation, the Pericles-designed Parthenon is the most majestic of these structures and is dedicated to the goddess Athena. Indeed, the whole site channels the spirit of these ancient powerbrokers and their legendary mythology.
The Temple of Athena Nike was designed by Kallikrates and built between 427 and 424 BC to celebrate peace with Persia. This temple has undergone extensive conservation efforts in recent times to preserve and clean the marble. Construction on the imposing Propylaea structure, which was designed to be the same size as the Parthenon, was interrupted by war and never completed. Its elegant Doric and Ionic columns and painted tableaus are a stunning example of ancient décor and architecture.
To visit, it's six minutes' walk from the Acropolis metro station to the Acropolis of Athens. Entry is via Beulé Gate, one of the site monuments. It's advised to set aside four hours to explore the Acropolis, and to avoid visiting during the intense midday sun of summer where the reflected light from the monuments can be blinding. At night, the hill is floodlit which also makes for a spectacular sight from various parts of Athens. Tickets to the Acropolis are €12 for adults with children under 18 free.
