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 The Acropolis
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 comfortable shoes with 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
Most of you are likely visiting the Acropolis in the summer months when the sun is out nearly every day and is very strong and hot.
Whether you choose to wear a dress to keep cool or long sleeves to protect your sensitive skin, make sure to do whatever it takes to ensure you are comfortable and protected from the sun’s rays.
What To Bring
*Water Bottle
Bring a water bottle, especially if you are visiting in the summer. If you didn’t bring one with you, you can purchase bottles of water at kiosks located on nearly every block of the city.
*Sun Protection
Ensure you wear sunscreen and take whatever other sun protection you need (such as sunglasses, a hat, or a sun umbrella) when you visit.
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*Camera
Whether you’re using an actual camera or just your smartphone, you’ll want to capture pictures of your experience and these amazing ancient ruins.
*Money
Bring some money to buy a cold beverage afterward. Whether it’s as simple as cold water or as fancy as 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 serves essentially as the entrance to the Acropolis. Architects designed it, and construction occurred between 437 and 432 BCE, overseen by Mnesikles.
The original building plans were much more extravagant than what was ultimately constructed. Therefore, the entrance to the Acropolis remains an unfinished project.
*Parthenon
The city is named after the grand temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena.
Construction of the temple began in 447 BC, and the structure was completed in 438 BC. However, work on the temple’s decor continued and was finished in 432 BC.
*Odeon of Herodes Atticus
One of the ‘newest’ structures on the Acropolis, built in 161 AD, underwent renovation in the 1950s.
When originally constructed, it had a roof made of cedar of Lebanon timber and was used for music concerts.
*Erechtheion
The building is named for the mythical Athenian King Erechthea, for whom it was used for worship.
There is some discrepancy regarding its use, as it is also said to be a place of worship for both the goddess 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.
