Description of the attraction
The famous Athenian Acropolis is the main attraction and visiting card of the Greek capital, as well as an important historical, archaeological and architectural monument (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List).
Ancient fortification
The word "acropolis" from the ancient Greek language is translated as "upper city" or "fortress". As a rule, acropolis were built on an inaccessible hill and were well fortified, thus being an excellent refuge in case of hostilities.
The world famous Athenian Acropolis is an ancient citadel located on the top of a 156-meter rocky hill towering over Athens with many, unfortunately, only partially preserved to this day, beautiful ancient temples and other structures.
During archaeological excavations, it was revealed that the hill was inhabited as early as the 4th millennium BC, was most likely used in the Mycenaean era and was actively built up during the Archaic period. In 480 BC. during the Greco-Persian war, the Acropolis was thoroughly destroyed by the Persians. New large-scale construction on the Acropolis began in 447 BC. on the initiative of Pericles, and mainly the buildings of this period have survived to this day.
The Acropolis Ensemble
Among the most interesting and impressive structures of the Acropolis, the monumental Propylaea certainly deserves special attention - a marble covered gate with five aisles in the central part and wings-porticoes adjoining it on both sides, one of which once housed the Pinakothek. The propylaea are made of white Pentelian marble interspersed with the darker Eleusinian and harmoniously combine the Doric and Ionic orders in their architecture. To the right of the Propylaea, on a steep rocky ledge faced with marble, is the Temple of Niki Apteros.
Of particular interest is the legendary Parthenon - the main temple of Ancient Athens and a magnificent monument of ancient architecture, erected in honor of the patroness of Athens and all Attica - the goddess Athena. For the construction of the temple, white Pentelian marble was also used. The famous ancient Greek sculptor Phidias was involved in the decoration (today, some parts of the masterpieces of his sculptural art can be seen in the largest museums in the world).
The Erechtheion, which has no analogues in ancient Greek architecture, is no less interesting. Due to the connection of several sanctuaries in it (the eastern part of the temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the western part to Poseidon and King Erechtheus), it has an original asymmetric layout. On the south side, the famous portico of Pandroseion adjoins the temple, the architrave of which is supported by six marble statues of girls (caryotids).
On the southeastern and southern slopes of the Acropolis, you can still see two ancient theaters - the Theater of Dionysus (under reconstruction) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The latter is still used for its intended purpose today, and is the main stage for the annual Athens Festival.
The New Acropolis Museum located at the foot of the hill, which opened its doors to visitors in June 2009, is definitely worth a visit. A fantastic collection of unique ancient artifacts and various architectural fragments, collected during the archaeological excavations of the Athenian Acropolis, is rightfully considered one of the best in the world among such collections.
On a note
- Location: Acropoli, Athens
- Nearest metro stations: "Acropolis"
- Official website:
- Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 20.00.
- Tickets: adult - 12 euros, reduced - 6 euros, up to 19 years old - free.
Reviews
| All reviews 5 Ruslan Musaev 2017-07-11 12:32:18 PM
Acropolis - the symbol of Athena One of the most important sites in Athens. It is located on the second highest hill in the city. Entrance € 20, for students 10. We were grouped in a group with a local guide. It took about 1.5 hours. You have to climb the mountain quite a lot. A historical site that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. On…
4 Zeus 2014-22-01 12:03:46 PM
Construction site all around) The first photo is before the reconstruction, now there are cranes, workers, etc. It has been going on for a long time. Local residents say that the budget money is being cut for this reconstruction. In general, these cranes, cradles break off. helmets)))
