Walking in the Footsteps of the Ancients: What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens dominates the Greek capital from above, offering visitors an extraordinary collection of historical and artistic masterpieces: from the Parthenon to the Theater of Dionysus, from the Erechtheion to the Theater of Herodes Atticus, from the Portico of the Caryatids to the Acropolis Museum.
Towering over the center of Athens, the Acropolis is visible from almost every corner of the city. Just looking up at it from below is enough to feel a wave of emotion, a sense of joy and admiration fully justified by its historical and artistic significance.
Depending on the time of day and viewing angle, the Acropolis and the Parthenon appear different due to the natural hues of Pentelic marble, which range from brilliant white at midday to warm amber tones at sunset.
A Glimpse into the Athens of Pericles
As extraordinary as the monuments of the Acropolis are, they offer only a pale reflection of the golden age of Pericles (495-425 BC). During his time, the sacred area dedicated to Athena was built using the finest materials and the most skilled craftsmen.
The hill was once adorned with grand, richly decorated buildings, towering bronze, marble, and ivory statues, some gilded and inlaid with precious stones. However, centuries of foreign occupation, looting by questionable archaeologists, and poorly executed restorations have altered its original splendor.
One of the most devastating events was the Venetian bombardment of 1687, when the Ottomans used the Parthenon as a gunpowder depot. The explosion ignited a vast fire, destroying much of the site.
Fortunately, a major restoration campaign has been underway since World War II, and in 1987, UNESCO officially recognized the Acropolis as a World Heritage Site, cementing its role as the greatest symbol of Classical Greek art.
Entering the Acropolis: The Journey Begins
The main entrance to the archaeological site is located at the southwestern end of the complex, near the Theater of Herodes Atticus. From here, a path lined with olive trees leads uphill to the Propylaea, passing the Porta Beulé, a gate discovered by French archaeologist Ernest Beulé.
Before reaching the majestic colonnade of the Propylaea, visitors pass an 8-meter-high pedestal that once held the Monument of Agrippa, a bronze statue of the Roman general, erected in 27 BC to commemorate his chariot race victory in the Panathenaic Games.
The Path to the Sacred Temples
As you ascend the zigzagging ramp leading to the Propylaea, you’ll notice a small temple with harmonious proportions perched high on the right side. This is the Temple of Athena Nike, designed by Callicrates and built between 427 and 424 BC entirely of Pentelic marble.
This nearly square-shaped temple features graceful Ionic columns on its east and west sides, while fragments of its frieze—depicting mythological battles and scenes from the Battle of Plataea (479 BC)—remain.
In 2003, a controversial restoration involved fully dismantling and reassembling the temple, a process that allows visitors today to clearly distinguish original pieces from modern additions, as the white new marble contrasts with the soft pink hues of the original stone.
At the top of the ramp, visitors pass through the Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles (437-432 BC). The porticoes alternate Doric and Ionic styles and consist of a central structure flanked by two wings, which originally contained five separate entrances.
The largest entrance opened onto the Panathenaic Way, framed by six massive columns, which supported a blue-painted ceiling decorated with golden stars.
The Parthenon: The Symbol of Athens
Beyond the Propylaea, the Panathenaic Way leads directly to the Acropolis’ most iconic structure: the Parthenon.
Dedicated to Athena Parthenos, it is the largest Doric temple ever built in Greece and the only one made entirely of Pentelic marble. It stands on the highest point of the Acropolis, further elevated by a three-step base.
Designed by Ictinus and Callicrates, the temple was completed in time for the Great Panathenaic Games in 438 BC. It features:
- 8 slender Doric columns on the east and west sides
- 17 columns on the northern and southern sides
- A central naos (inner chamber), once home to the colossal statue of Athena Parthenos
Created by Phidias, this 12-meter-high statue was considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was made of ivory (for the face, hands, and feet) and gold (for the robe), with precious stone eyes. On its chest, the head of Medusa was sculpted in ivory.
The Fate of the Parthenon Sculptures
Over the centuries, the intricate friezes and sculptures adorning the Parthenon were damaged, removed, or lost. Many fragments were found at the foot of the temple, but others were taken abroad.
Today, the Elgin Marbles, removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, are displayed in the British Museum in London, while other artifacts are housed in the new Acropolis Museum at the base of the hill.
The Erechtheion: The True Sanctuary of the Acropolis
While the Parthenon is the largest and most famous monument, the Erechtheion is the true religious sanctuary of the Acropolis.
Dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, its unusual architectural design features:
- Two separate sanctuaries (one for Athena, one for Poseidon)
- A southern porch supported by six Caryatids—statues representing women from Karyai, Laconia
The original Caryatids are now in the Acropolis Museum, except for one, which is in the British Museum.
Useful Information for Visiting the Acropolis
📍 Address: Acropolis of Athens, Greece
🎟 Ticket Price: €12 (valid for four days, includes five other archaeological sites)
🚇 Metro Stop: Acropolis Station
Opening Hours
🕗 April – October: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
🕗 November – March: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
