Welcome to the portal of the Acropolis of Athens! Discover this symbol of classical Greece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in the magnificence of its temples and works of art. Here you will find everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit and learn about the history of this extraordinary site.
Acropolis of Athens:
history in brief
Built in the 5th century BC, the Acropolis stands on a sacred hill 156 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city of Athens. Under the leadership of statesman Pericles, the site became an extraordinary center of art and culture, dominated by masterpieces such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Today, it is a symbol of the resilience of Greek civilization through the centuries.
Visit the Parthenon and other monuments
Explore the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, patron deity of Athens. Admire the art of the Caryatids in the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. Each structure testifies to the architectural mastery of the ancient Greeks.
Photo by MIJO / mijo-weddings.com
Photo by MIJO / mijo-weddings.com
Opening Hours
The Acropolis of Athens is open year-round, with varying hours to suit the different seasons.
From April to October, during the tourist season, the site opens from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while from November to March it closes at 5:00 p.m.
The best times to visit the Acropolis and fully enjoy the tranquility and picturesque view are early in the morning around 8:00 a.m., or late in the afternoon.
At these times, the influx of visitors is less, the atmosphere is calmer, and the natural light makes the monuments especially photogenic, especially at sunset.
Monday 08:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
Friday 08:00 – 17:00
Saturday 08:00 – 17:00
Sunday 08:00 – 17:00
Where is
the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis rises in the heart of modern Athens, on a 156-meter-high rocky hill that dominates the cityscape. Located in the Plaka area, it is surrounded by a bustling area of cafes, stores, and picturesque streets, making for an atmospheric and immersive entire sightseeing experience. From the top, the Acropolis offers a spectacular view of Athens and all the way to the Aegean Sea, especially fascinating on clear days. Its central, elevated position has made it, since ancient times, a symbol visible from every point in the city.
How to get to the Acropolis
If you are planning your trip to visit the Acropolis and its monuments, here are some tips on how to get there.
Where to sleep near the Acropolis of Athens
If you are planning a family trip or a romantic weekend getaway and are looking for a hotel with an Acropolis view, discover all the facilities from which you can admire the Parthenon simply by opening the window.
Where to eat near the Acropolis in Athens
Have you visited the Acropolis and got hungry? What are the best restaurants and eateries near the Acropolis.
Check out the recommendations of users who have eaten well in Athens without spending a fortune, and enjoy your meal!
Photo by MIJO / mijo-weddings.com
About the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis holds stories and legends, such as the myth of the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for dominion over Attica. Every corner offers a glimpse into the grandeur and mystery of Greek mythology.
What to see
in the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is a complex of ancient monuments and temples that testify to Greek ingenuity and art. Begin your visit at the monumental Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, a symbol of Athens’ power. Visit the Erechtheion, characterized by the statues of the Caryatids, and admire the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. Don’t miss the Propylaea, the monumental entrance, and enjoy the view from above over the city and its surroundings.
Tickets to the Acropolis in Athens
Visit the Acropolis of Athens, an iconic symbol of ancient Greece and one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites. To ensure quick and wait-free access, it is recommended that you book your ticket online and fully experience the majesty of this extraordinary monumental complex.
Entrance fees for the Acropolis of Athens
You can cancel for free up to the day before the visit.
Acropolis tourism: FAQ
Do you have questions about the Acropolis of Athens? Check out our FAQ section for detailed answers to common questions, such as what the entrance fee includes, the history of the Parthenon, the difference between Acropolis and Parthenon, and more.
The standard Acropolis ticket includes access to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the various monuments located on the slopes of the hill. There are also cumulative tickets that include admission to other archaeological sites in Athens.
A visit to the Acropolis takes about two hours to explore the main monuments and surrounding areas. However, by spending more time you can appreciate more of the details and stories of individual temples and viewpoints.
The Acropolis suffered various damage and looting over the centuries. Among the most serious, the Venetian bombardment of 1687 affected the Parthenon, then used by the Turks as a gunpowder store. Lord Elgin’s looting in the early 19th century also caused the loss of valuable sculptures.
The Acropolis is the sacred hill of Athens on which various temples and structures stand, including the Parthenon, the main temple and symbol of the city. The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, is just one of the many monuments that make up the Acropolis.
In ancient times, the Acropolis of Athens was not a customary residence, but a sacred place dedicated to deities, especially Athena, the city’s patron goddess. During the Mycenaean period (16th-12th centuries BCE), the Acropolis housed a fortified citadel, probably with a royal palace and dwellings. In classical times, however, it became an exclusively religious and ceremonial area, and thus only priests, priestesses and cult-related personnel spent time there regularly to perform rituals and take care of temple maintenance.