Article Acropolis - tour

The name Acropolis is a combination of the Greek words akros – highest and polis – city. This accurately describes the location of the complex on a high rocky hill above the city. This sacred rock represents the embodiment of classical Greece, democracy and philosophy. A visit to this place is a must for anyone who wants to feel the breath of antiquity

The Acropolis was inhabited as early as the Mycenaean period (1600–1100 BC), when it served as a fortified citadel and the seat of the local ruler. A palace stood here, and the rock provided natural defense.
The most glorious era of the Acropolis came in the 5th century BC after the victory over the Persians. Most of the buildings we admire today were built under the leadership of the statesman Pericles. The Acropolis then became a sacred area dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Over the following millennia, the Acropolis served various purposes. The Parthenon was converted into the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Athiniotissa), and during the Ottoman rule, the entire complex served as a fortress, a mosque, and later a gunpowder depot.

Due to its fame, the Acropolis is still besieged by tourists, especially at the busy western entrance. It is highly recommended to buy your ticket in advance. Due to the frequent heat, it is not advisable to plan a visit to this monument at noon.

Even before climbing the hill, visitors will see the well-preserved Odeon of Herodes Atticus from 161 AD at the southern foot of the Acropolis. This impressive Roman theater at the foot of the Acropolis has an auditorium carved into the rock and a three-story facade of arches and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.

The Temple of Athena Nike already looms above the heads of the ascending tourists. But a more demanding climb up the stairs awaits them.

The Propylaea is a monumental gateway to the sacred precincts of the Acropolis. The structure was built between 437 and 432 BC under the ruler Pericles. It was designed to be a magnificent structure, but it ultimately remained unfinished. During its history, it served various purposes and underwent many modifications. It attracts visitors with its Doric and Ionic columns.

After passing through the Propylaea, we are amazed by the central structure of the giant Parthenon. We turn right to walk around the entire top of the hill in a counter-clockwise direction.

On the right, we are drawn to the Temple of Athena Nike, a small and elegant Ionic-style temple located on the southwest corner of the Acropolis. This ancient Greek marble temple dedicated to Athena Nike, the goddess of victory, was built around 427–424 BC and is characterized by its elegant Ionic style. The temple was built after the Athenians' victory over the Persians to ensure future victories.

After a few steps, the view opens to the south, where we can see the sea and the Athens port of Piraeus.

The Parthenon (Temple of the Virgins) is undoubtedly the most famous building and a masterpiece of the Doric order. It was built between 447 and 438 BC in honor of the goddess Athena Parthenos. This main temple of the Athenian Acropolis is known for its unique architecture, optical illusions and decoration with mythological motifs. The building is a brilliant example of optical corrections – none of the seemingly straight lines are actually straight, creating a perfect illusion of harmony.

The Acropolis played a symbolic role during the German occupation of Greece during World War II.
The most famous event is the act of resistance that took place immediately after the German troops entered Athens in April 1941. The German army hoisted the German Nazi flag with a swastika on the Acropolis. On the night of May 30–31, 1941, two young Greek students climbed the Acropolis and tore down the German flag. This act was quickly spread throughout the country and beyond its borders, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance against the occupying power. It was a moral triumph and an inspiration for the Greek underground resistance movement. Today, this event is commemorated by the Greek flag and a commemorative plaque.

We will enjoy the views to the north, where the peaks of Lykavittos and Tourkobonia rise above the city.

The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek Ionic temple with an unusual, irregular plan, adapted to sacred sites on the rock. It was dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. During its history, the Erechtheion underwent many changes, serving as a temple, a church, and a dwelling.

Notable features of the temple include the columns in the shape of female figures supporting the roof. These columns symbolize the Karyai girls, and today replicas of them can be seen on the Acropolis, while the originals are in the New Acropolis Museum.

We descend from the summit again through the majestic Propylaea and turn left, where we descend below the Acropolis hill. The walls and the majestic Parthenon rise above us, and we head towards the eastern, less frequented, entrance to the complex.

On the way east we pass the ruins of the „Teatro de Dioniso“, which is considered the oldest theater in the world. The theater, dedicated to the god Dionysus, had a capacity of up to 25,000 spectators.