Raise your hand if you ever read about Ancient Greece in grade school. Everyone? That’s what we thought! Athens is a city that for centuries has graced the syllabi of every student’s textbooks, and for good reason. Athens was at the heart of ancient Greek civilization, a powerful civilization and empire that influenced the trajectory of the world. At the heart of Athens lies the Acropolis - a massive, ornate centerpiece that is the site of one of the earliest settlements in Greece. Young, old, first-timers, or veteran travelers, no matter who you are, the Acropolis in Athens is a must-see.
Read on for must-knows when visiting this world-famous site.
Acropolis Must-Knows
This hill on which the Acropolis sits was a sacred site for ancient Athenians. To reach the top, you will enter through a large portal, and at the top are the ruins of three temples from the fifth century BC.
From the top of the Acropolis, enjoy a sweeping view of Athens and the Saronic Gulf!
Two paths lead to the Acropolis: Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and Theorias Street in Plaka
Make sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, especially in the summertime
The ascent is steep, slippery, and scorching hot in the middle of the day
The hill is handicap-accessible with the use of an elevator
Once at the top of the Acropolis, there are several sites you can explore!
Propylaea
Propylaea is the gateway at the top of the hill and is known as the gateway to the Acropolis
With six Doric columns and built of pure marble, this was the first building to combine Ionic and Doric styles
A Propylaea is known for separating the secular and religious pieces of a city
Temple of Athena Nike
Also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory
On the southwest side of the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike once contained a sanctuary and an altar for animal sacrifices
Parthenon
This is the largest building on the Acropolis and is one of the most awe-inspiring sites
The Parthenon was built by Pericles to honor the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and has been the model for thousands of buildings around the world
The Parthenon is constructed from marble, except for its roof which was made of wood!
Most artifacts from the temple are housed in the Acropolis Museum on site
Ready to explore Athens and its world-famous sites? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation and then the ELx Travel team will make sure the Acropolis is a stop on your itinerary!