Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Acropolis of Athens

The ancient citadel known as the Acropolis of Athens is one of the most recognisable sites in all of Europe. Sitting on a rocky outcrop above the Greek capital, the Acropolis of Athens has become the defining landmark of classical Greece. No visit to the capital of Greek culture would be complete without a tour of this iconic location.  

Read on to find out everything you need to know before visiting the Acropolis of Athens. We will take you through the long and rich history of this majestic construction, helping you to understand why the Acropolis was built and leave you with no doubt that the Acropolis of Athens is a must on any bucket list. 

Not only that, but Designer Journeys can curate a customisable trip to the undeniable city of culture, a trip that will take you into the very heart of the Acropolis of Athens so you too can unravel its secrets, as the many thousands before you have done.

The History of the Acropolis of Athens

The natural rocky outcrop on which the Acropolis stands has been occupied for nearly six thousand years. The site lies at the centre of Athens and provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscapes, making it the perfect spot for high-status buildings. It is believed that it was the Mycenaean Greeks who first started to build here, constructing the now lost royal palace on the site in the Late Bronze Age.

It was not until the 5th century BCE that the world-famous buildings were constructed by the general and politician Pericles. Known as the Golden Age of Athens, structures such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion and temples dedicated to the god Athena were constructed, cementing the iconic look of the site for millennia.

Under later Roman rule, monuments to foreign kings were erected at the Acropolis and later changed to represent the ruling emperors of Rome, most notably ​​Augustus or Claudius. Under Byzantine Christian rule, the Acropolis of Athens took on a more monotheistic image and became a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  

 

 

With the Ottoman conquest of Greece in the mid-15th century, the Acropolis of Athens would lose all religious significance and become a garrison headquarters for the Turkish army. It was during these fateful times that Acropolis would suffer its most disastrous episode. While being used as a gunpowder magazine, the site was severely damaged after an artillery barrage struck  ​​during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War.

It was not until the Greeks gained their independence in the early 19th century that the Acropolis of Athens was cleared of foreign influences and additions. During this century, great efforts were made to restore the site to its former glory, something that wasn’t truly successful until the Acropolis Restoration Project started in 1975.

The Cultural Significance of the Acropolis of Athens

The cultural significance of the Acropolis of Athens can not be overstated. Much like the Pyramids of Giza or the Vatican in Rome, the Acropolis of Athens has grown larger than itself, becoming the defining image of Athens and even Greece itself.

More than this, the Acropolis has become a universal image of what ancient Greece accomplished. The sheer scale of architectural and artistic design, when much of Europe still retained an Iron Age outlook, has elevated Ancient Greece into the history books.

The Acropolis of Athens also symbolises the great rise of western philosophy and western civilisation as a whole. Disciplines and cultures such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature and theatre all flourished during the Golden Age of Athens, something that is personified in the Acropolis of Athens.    

The cultural significance of the Acropolis of Athens can be seen today, not only by the millions that visit the landmark every year but in how the Athenians themselves revere the site. The Acropolis location, in the very heart of the Greek capital, symbolises how it has been emblematic in defying Athens and wider Greece.

You can experience the cultural significance of the Acropolis of Athens yourself with a locally designed 7-day tour of mythical Greece.  

Famous Monuments and Archaeology Sites on Acropolis Hill

Porch of the Maidens

One of the most memorable sights when it comes to visiting the Erechtheion temple at the Acropolis is the Porch of the Maidens. This huge porch is notable for one reason; where cylindrical stone pillars should be, there are huge stone sculptures of women dressed in traditional ancient Greek robes.

With the weight of the whole porch roof held up by the necks of the statues, as soon as you get close to the Porch of Maidens, you will be blown away by the skill of the sculptor and the engineering skills of the Ancient Greeks.   

Theatre of Dionysus

Built on the southern slope of the Acropolis is the Theatre of Dionysus. At its height, this theatre was thought to be able to hold up to 17,000 audience members. Used right through to the Roman period, the Theatre of Dionysus was the heart of Greek theatre in Athens for centuries.

The theatre is dedicated to the god Dionysus, who was the god of the grape harvest, winemaking, orchards and fruit, vegetation, fertility and, most notably, in this context, the theatre. 

 

 

Walking around the Theatre of Dionysus, it isn’t too hard to imagine the thrilling atmosphere of a Greek theatre performance in full flow. Ancient theatres such as these can be found all across Greece, and an Ancient Greek road trip across the country is the ideal way to see them.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is another theatre located on the slopes of the Acropolis. Built in the 2nd century AD, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a completely Roman addition and highlights the longevity of the site.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was by the Roman citizen Herodes Atticus in memory of his Roman wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. During the mid-1950s, the theatre was excavated and restored close to its former glory. 

Today, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre is used to host the Athens Festival, a four-month celebration of the arts. Local Designers in Athens can organise a week-long tour of Greece to coincide with the festival, where you can see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus alive with music and theatre once more.

Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike is one of the oldest examples of an Ionic temple built in Greece. Dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike, the temple was constructed in the year 420 BCE and is built entirely of Pentelic marble.

The Temple of Athena Nike is the smallest structure on the Acropolis of Athens but by no means the least important. The goddess venerated here, Athena, is associated with wisdom, handicraft, and warfare, while Nike was the Greek goddess of victory. Both played a huge part in the psyche of Ancient Greece.  

Propylaea

The Propylaea, meaning gates, is the main ceremonial entrance of the Acropolis of Athens and is a monumental structure. Walking through the Propylaea, you get the feeling of complete awe and the imposing religious significance of the site.

The huge Doric columns that support the Propylaea are just as impressive and add a royal and powerful feeling to the construction. During the Christain period of the Acropolis, the Propylaea was converted into a church, though this was later restored. 

Erechtheion

The Erechtheion was one of the Acropolis’ most sacred and religious sites for the ancient Greeks. Dedicated to Athena Polias, protector of the city of Athens, the temple was constructed using Pentelic marble. Inside the temple, there was once a cult statue of Athena, crafted from olive wood.

 

 

When Christians took over the Acropolis, the Erechtheion has renamed the Church of the Virgin Mary. Later on, under Ottoman rule, the Erechtheion was the setting for the Turkish commander’s harem.   

Parthenon

Arguably the most famous structure in the entire Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon has gone on to represent the site as a whole. Originally a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon went on to be the seat of the Delian League, with Athens at the cultural and political centre of the Aegean Sea region.

During the Morean War, the Parthenon was at the epicentre of a huge explosion, in which many of its ancient treasures were destroyed. Controversy has arisen in the past few decades, as the Parthenon Marbles, a set of marble sculptures that survived the blast, are being held in the British Museum.

No visit to the Acropolis of Athens would be complete without seeing the Parthenon, a building that symbolises Ancient Greek culture to the world. 

The Destruction of the Acropolis of Athens

Although the Acropolis of Ancient Greece is one of the finest examples of the ancient civilisation that once ruled the Aegean Sea, it is a former shadow of itself when it comes to its pre-17th century opulence.

In the year 1687, the Acropolis of Athens suffered a damaging fate. The Ottoman garrison that occupied the site came under attack from an invading Venician army, resulting in a week-long siege of the Ancient Greek wonder. Ottoman forces would systematically destroy the Temple of Athena Nike in order to build a cannon battery.

However, the real destruction of this irreplaceable centre of Greek culture came when a mortar shell hit the Parthenon, which had been holding the Ottoman store of gunpowder. The consequential explosion caused the destruction of the temple’s roof and most of the walls.

The destruction of the Acropolis in 1687 has gone down as one of the most traumatic episodes in the 3,000-year history of the site.           

When is the Best Time to Visit the Acropolis of Athens

As one of the most popular sites in all of Athens and Greece, the Acropolis can become extremely busy throughout the peak season. The peak season in Athens runs between mid-June and mid-September. If you want to avoid the vast crowds in the Acropolis of Athens, then the shoulder seasons between April and mid-Jun, as well as the end of September through to October, is best.

The time of day is also an important thing to consider when visiting the Acropolis of Athens. The busiest period tends to be between 11 am and 1 pm. We would advise visiting the Acropolis in the morning before 11 am. Not only will you dodge the crowds of other tourists, but you will find that the rocky outcrop is very exposed to the high heat of the day.    

What to Wear to Visit the Acropolis of Athens 

With the Acropolis of Athens standing on a rocky outcrop in the centre of Athens, the whole site is exposed to the elements. The sun beats down intensely from midday, especially during the summer months. Therefore, it is crucial to wear clothes that protect you from the hot weather.

This being said, make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses and comfortable loose clothes. Ensure you bring some sun cream and plenty of water to keep hydrated. It’s also vital to wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the ground can be uneven around the Acropolis of Athens.

The Acropolis of Athens is truly one of the most significant landmarks in the world. You can rarely find such an emblematic site that sums up the power and effect an ancient civilisation has had on the modern world.

The Acropolis of Athens can be experienced alongside many other Greek travel destinations with Designer Journeys Local Designers. For a closer look, take a glance at our 11-Day trip from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos.  

Experience one of Greece’s most popular sites and tour the Acropolis of Athens!