-Europe.Greece.Athens-
I have to admit that Athens was not very high on my priority list of places to visit. Sure I have seen photos of the Acropolis – but as I am not so much in to archeological sites , it was not a priority visit. I don’t really know why I say this because each time I do visit, I get so awestruck by the realization of the history behind. Visiting the Acropolis was tenfold this feeling as it was like stepping back in a civilization past and I could almost imagine the Grecian life that went on there.
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Table of Contents
Acropolis Ticket Options
Some decisions to make is whether you would like to only visit the Acropolis and the slopes or include other archeological sites as well. If I were staying more days in Athens , I would take the combined ticket which only costs 10 Euros more and would give you access to the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Lyceum, Olympieion and the Roman Agora.
If you have a choice of days to visit the Acropolis , I would try to go there when it is dry , meaning no rain the day before as the smoothened rocks could get slippery when wet. This was the case with us as well as not being sure if we could wake up early enough in the morning. So I booked it , on the morning itself from this link which is 2 Euros cheaper from the normal links Now before you go ahead all excited, do note that after you book the ticket from here: it is non-refundable.
If you are buying in advance then buy the ticket from Getyourguide as they give you the option to cancel for free 24 hours before your visit. They have a lot of options which includes Audio Guide and actual guides as well.
Some tips :
1. Pre-book your tickets online to save yourself the queue to buy the ticket. There are reduced admission rates for non-EU students and people over 65 years of age. Free admission to EU citizens below 25 years and so on. Bring your ID!!!
2. Best time to go is as soon as the doors open at 8am. Avoid mid-day because of the heat. There is practically no shade there.
3. Strollers, luggages and bigger bags are not allowed and not convenient to have with you as well. Don’t bring them if not necessary or you can keep them at the entrance.
4. Drones are generally not allowed to be flown over the archeological sites.
5. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground is uneven and rocks may be slippery if wet.
6. Disabled persons can use an elevator up at the North side. Check this link for the best current instructions.
7. 2 entrances – if you are on a guided tour: be sure to check where the meeting point is. We went unguided and recommend going up the main entrance and exiting at the second entrance.
Check out and save these tips on my youtube channel
Getting to the Acropolis
The Acropolis has 2 entrances.
The main entrance is at the West Slope; a walk up from the Monastiraki area. Metro stops (Theseio[M1] or Monastiraki[M3]). It involves a walk up hill of 20 minutes and in my opinion the easier way to go up. Taxis are able to drop off at the entrance as well.
The second entrance at the South Slope; is close to the Acropolis Museum. Metro Stop (Acropoli[M2]).
The lift for persons with disability is at the North Slope.
What to see at the Acropolis
I did not know what to expect to see up the Acropolis. In hindsight, I should have downloaded an audio guide which I highly recommend especially if you are a history and archeology buff. I did manage to figure out the main sights though.
The Parthenon
Known as the most sacred site of the ancient world – this is of course the main sight to visit in the Acropolis. This temple masterpiece was completed in 438BC as a shrine to Athena the Virgin, the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare and the Guardian of Athens. It obtained considerable damage during the fight between the Venetian and Turks in the 17th Century. One can only imagine it in its glory days.
Another thing to marvel at is the precise calculation to build these by now often copied columns. One can be forgiven to think that the columns are inter-changeable but it actually is not. Some are built curved in order to look straight. Amazing is it not ?
Erechtheion
The Erechtheion is a complex and considered a sacred site where the battle between Poseidon and Athena for Athens took place. A discerning part of the Erechtheion is the Porch of the Caryatids – six sculpted maiden figures instead of columns draw a lot of attention here.
Temple of Athena Nike
The well-preserved temple of Athena Nike can be seen as you come from the main entrance perched up on the hill. Dedicated to the goddess of Athena – it has been completely restored.
Propylaea
This is as impressive an entryway can get. The majestic way it is built leads through colonnades and porticos.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
I personally like this theater very much. It reminds me of the one in Sicily. This almost 5000 capacity ancient theater is still in use for showcasing Greek Operas and other performances.
Theater of Dionysus
This ancient theater is on the south slope closer to the Acropolis museum. Built in the 4th Century BC – it has seen may performances in its time.
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The link to pre-cruise day 1 Athens is broken. I like your website and would like to read that entry.
Thank you – I just tried it https://zeweekendtraveller.com/index.php/europe/greece/athens-day1/ Could you try again and let me know ?