Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel popular for housing ancient ruins and buildings of historical and architectural significance. The importtant buildings here are the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike, built under the supervision of Pericles in 495 - 429 BC.

Acropolis of Athens acts as a centre for religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history. Its monuments built in an innovative architectural style, has a great influence on the art and culture. Acropolis of Athens is believed to exist from the Early Neolithic period (6th millennium BC). A massive facade, built using Mycenaean conventions, used to serve as the main defense for the acropolis until the 5th century. In the Archaic Era Acropolis had a temple to Athena Polias, the tutelary deity of the city. Since then Acropolis became a sacred precinct. Later “Old temple” and the Hekatompedos, the predecessor of the Parthenon, both dedicated to Athena were built.

The temples on the north side of the Acropolis were dedicated to Athenian cults and the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to many qualities of Athena: Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory).

In its lifetime, Acropolis has suffered many damages caused by nature as well as humans. Temples here have transformed to Christian churche to Ruler Residence to Store houses.

Important Monuments in Acropolis of Athens are

Parthenon: Former temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron of Athens, dates back to 447 BC.

Erechtheion: Ancient temple on the north of Acropolis dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

Propylaea: Entrance to the Acropolis in Athens.

Temple of Athena Nike: Dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike dates back to 427 BC.

Brauronion: Located in the southwest corner of the Acropolis, was the sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia.

Temple of Rome and Augustus: Located to the east of the Parthenon, the only Roman temple on the Acropolis.

Pedestal of Agrippa: Known as the Agrippa Pedestal, on the west of the Propylaea of Athens built in honor of Eumenes II after he won Panathenaic Games chariot race.

Beule Gate: Reconstructed version of the Acropolis Walls.

Acropolis fortification wall: The first 'Cyclopean' wall built along the hill, its ruins are visible to the southeast of the Propylaia.

Chalkotheke: Building that housed the treasury of Athens.

Old temple of Athena: Archaic temple dedicated to Athena Polias, the patron deity of the city of Athens, built around 525-500 BC.

The hike to the Acropolis is just as interesting as the monuments and views it holds. It is advisable to begin in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid high temperatures and crowds.

Tickets

General Ticket: Full: €20, Reduced: €10
Valid for the archaeological site of the Acropolis and its Slopes.

Special ticket package: Full: €30, Reduced: €15
Valid for 5 days.
Valid for: Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of the Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, South Slope of Acropolis
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