All About The Acropolis Of Athens
If you visit Athens, Greece, you have to visit the Acropolis.
It’s the archeological site that sits on the top of a hill overseeing the entire city and contains temples that are thousands of years old.
This post is all about the Acropolis of Athens.
Best Times To Visit
There are two times of the day that I recommend visiting the Athens Acropolis. Either first thing in the morning, or at the end of the day.
Basically you don’t want to visit when the sun is shinning extra hot as there is minimal shade up on the hill.
What To Wear
*Sturdy Shoes
Wear shoes that are comfortable and that have good grip on the bottom. You will be on your feet for most of the experience and some of the marble can be slippery.
*Weather Appropriate Clothing
I am assuming that most of you are visiting the Acropolis in the summer months where the sun is out nearly every day and is very strong and hot.
Whether it’s wearing a dress to keep you cool, or long sleeves to protect your sensitive skin, do whatever to ensure you are comfortable and protected from the sun’s rays.
What To Bring
*Water Bottle
Especially if you are visiting in the summer, you are going to want to bring a water bottle. If you didn’t bring one with you, the kiosks located on nearly every block of the city will have bottles of water for purchase.
*Sun Protection
Make sure you are wearing sunscreen when you visit and taking whatever other sun protections you need (sunglasses, hat, sun umbrella, etc.)
Get A FREE Packing Guide and Checklist!!!
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*Camera
Whether it’s an actual camera or just your smartphone, you are going to want to take pictures of your experience and these amazing ancient ruins.
*Money
Bring some money to get a cold beverage after. Whether it’s as simple as a cold water or fancy like a frozen lemonade, you will be happy to sip on something cool after all that time in the sun.
*Multi-site pass
This is the site pass that I used to visit both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
Basic History of The Ruins
*Propylaia
This is essentially the entrance to the Acropolis. It was built between 437 and 432 BCE and was designed by the architect Mnesikles.
The original building plans were much more extravagant than what ended up being built. So the entrance to the Acropolis is an unfinished project.
*Parthenon
The grand temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena which the city is named after.
Construction began in 447 BC and the structure was completed in 438 BC however the decor of the temple was worked on and finished in 432 BC.
*Odeon of Herodes Atticus
One of the “newest” structures on the Acropolis built in 161 AD and was renovated in the 1950s.
When it was originally constructed it had a roof that was made of cedar of Lebanon timber and was used for music concerts.
*Erechtheion
Named for the mythical Athenian King Erechthea which the building was used to worship.
There is some discrepancy in what the building was used for as it is also said to be places of worship to both the godess Athena and the god Poseidon (in addition to Erechthea).
*Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus
This Ancient Greek Theater was first built in the mid-to-late sixth century.
It was used regularly up to the Byzantine era (146 BC to 88 BC) where its use was discontinued and it started to decay. It wasn’t recovered until the 19th century.
This post was all about the Acropolis of Athens.
