The Acropolis of Athens

During a lovely dinner in February 2023, Steve, Philippe and I decided to visit Athens during the – Catholic – Easter Holiday. As I was lucky to have the full Easter weekend – Saturday, Sunday and Monday – off, I booked flights and a room. Steve and Philippe arrived in the capital of Greece two days earlier. It wasn’t Orthodox Easter, so for the Athenians, it was a normal, low-season, weekend.

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop in the heart of Athens. It is one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world and is considered a symbol of Western civilization, on par with Jerusalem‘s old town and the Western Wall, Rome with the Colosseum and the Vatican or the Pyramids of Gizeh in Egypt.

The word ‘Acropolis’ comes from the Greek words ‘akros‘ meaning ‘highest’ and ‘polis‘ meaning ‘city’ so it literally translates to ‘high city’. More cities have an acropolis, just as there is more than one Kremlin.

The Acropolis was originally built during the 5th century BCE and served as the religious and civic center of Athens.

It is home to several ancient Greek architectural masterpieces, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, which were constructed during the Golden Age of Athens under the rule of Pericles. These structures are known for their sophisticated design, refined craftsmanship, and artistic excellence.

The Parthenon, in particular, is one of the most well-known buildings of the Acropolis. It is a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, who was considered the patron goddess of Athens. The Parthenon is famous for its classical Doric architecture, intricate marble friezes, and sculptures that depict various mythological and historical scenes.

Today, the Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece and is considered a masterpiece of human civilization, representing the pinnacle of classical Greek art and architecture.

Buildings of the Acropolis

The Parthenon is not the Acropolis. It’s part of it. The Acropolis of Athens is home to several ancient Greek buildings, including:

Parthenon: The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. It is the most iconic and well-known building of the Acropolis, and it is known for its classical Doric architecture, exquisite marble friezes, and sculptures. The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BCE under the supervision of the architect Phidias and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture.
Propylaea: The Propylaea is the monumental entrance gate to the Acropolis. It was designed by the architect Mnesicles and was built in the 5th century BCE. The Propylaea consists of a central building with a grand marble staircase and two wings with colonnades. It served as the main entrance to the Acropolis and was an impressive architectural feat of its time.
Erechtheion: The Erechtheion is a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, located on the north side of the Acropolis. It is known for its unique design, including the famous Caryatids, which are six female marble statues that serve as supporting columns. The Erechtheion was built in the 5th century BCE and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture.
Temple of Athena Nike: The Temple of Athena Nike is a small temple dedicated to Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. It is located on the southwest corner of the Acropolis and was built in the 5th century BCE. The temple is known for its graceful Ionic architecture and decorative friezes, and it was an important place of worship in ancient Athens.

Apart from these major buildings, the Acropolis also contains various other structures, such as the Old Temple of Athena, the Brauronion, and the Chalkotheke, among others. These buildings collectively represent the rich architectural heritage of ancient Athens and are considered some of the most important and influential examples of classical Greek architecture.

Golden Age vs reality

What you see today are ruins of what the Acropolis looked like in from 500 BC. The Acropolis had buildings before the Phidias Parthenon and the temple was later used a church and as a mosque.

During the Byzantine period, the Parthenon was used as a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During the Latin Duchy of Athens, the Acropolis functioned as the city’s administrative center, with the Parthenon as its cathedral, and the Propylaea as part of the Ducal Palace.

A large tower was added, the Frankopyrgos demolished during the 19th century.

After the Ottoman conquest of Greece, the Parthenon was used as the garrison headquarters of the Turkish army, and the Erechtheum was turned into the governor’s private harem.

The buildings of the Acropolis suffered significant damage during the 1687 siege by the Venetians in the Morean War. The Parthenon, which was being used as a gunpowder magazine, was hit by artillery shot and damaged severely.

So what you see today is a 19th century romantic and patriotic view of things.

A visit

Buy your ticket beforehand. Buy a combo ticket at another site to avoid at least one line. There are two entry points. The main one is on Rovertou Galli (Ροβερτου Γκάλι) and the side entrance is on the southeast side of the site, on Dionysiou Areopagitou (Διονυσίου Αρεοπαγίτου) near the Acropolis Museum. If you are hoping to avoid the long lines, use the side entrance to get in.

You will never be alone, but the Acropolis is not always packed. The marble can be slippery, especially when wet. So be careful.

But most importantly, enjoy this symbol of Western civilization.