The Acropolis at Athens is one of those places that tends to constantly make an appearance on bucket lists and is often name-dropped when people are dreaming about their next vacation. Whether it’s the history, the architecture, its depiction in media, or even just for the bragging rights – people from all around the world make plans to hike up to the Acropolis and stop for a selfie in front of the Parthenon. There’s something about this massive, sprawling marble complex that draws people in, something mysterious and tantalizing and ancient.
Maybe they’re drugging the air?
All kidding aside, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’m writing this article. I don’t need to sit here and tell you why you should visit the Acropolis; if you’re reading this, chances are that you know you want to visit and you could explain to me, in detail, exactly why.
So I’ll keep the chit-chatter to a minimum and just let the pictures do the talking! (I’m an enabler, I know. Sue me.)
Many people tend to think of the Parthenon when they think of the Acropolis, but the Parthenon is actually just a small part of this massive, ancient holy site. The above map details just how huge the monument is!
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The first thing that you’re likely to see is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – one of the most well-preserved ancient ampitheatres in Athens.
Located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, it was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. The theatre could hold up to 5,000 people and was used as a “concert hall” of sorts until its destruction by the Heruli in 267 AD.
The Propylaea
Then you’ll make your way up to the Propylaea, a massive gateway with towering marble columns that serves as an entrance to the Acropolis.
Construction began in 437 BCE under the direction of Pericles and following the plans of Phidias, but it was stopped a mere 5 years later and was never finished. It was also used as a sacred entrance during the pilgrimage to the Acropolis from Eleusis.
The Colonnades in this area are particularly noteworthy because both Ionic and Doric columns are used in the design – it’s the first building we know about that uses both at the same time.
This is certainly a memorable way to enter the famed ancient complex of the Acropolis at Athens, and it’s very fitting as it gives you a slight taste of what’s to come.
Temple of Athena Nike
While walking up the steps of the Propylaea, if you turn to the right you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike.
Built around 420 BCE, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. Athena was worshipped as goddess of victory in war and wisdom in the form of Athena Nike. Citizens of the city of Athens worshipped her, hoping for a victory against the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War.
Erechtheum
After walking through the Propylaea, the first of the famous temples you’ll come across is the Erechtheum.
Located across from the Parthenon, the Erechtheum (sometimes called the Erechtheion) is a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.
The temple was built between 421 and 406 BCE by Mnesicles, and it was named after a shrine dedicated to the legendary Greek hero Erichthonius. Others have theorized that it may have been built and named in honor of king Erechtheus, a great king and ruler of Athens mentioned in Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad.
The Erechtheum was considered one of the holiest sites in the Acropolis, as it housed many of Athens’ most revered holy relics – including Athena’s olive tree and Poseidon’s salt-water spring.
Today, the temple is most famous for its “Porch of the Maidens”, or the six supporting columns carved in the shape of females (caryatids).
Old Temple of Athena
If you look carefully, you can spot the ruined foundations of the Old Temple of Athena just in front of the Erechtheum. Built around 525-500 BCE, the temple was likely destroyed in 480 BCE by the Persians during a raid; however, this and the rest of the temple’s controversial history is a hotly debated among scholars.
Huh. Who knew an ancient temple could be controversial?
Parthenon
And finally… you come across the Parthenon.
The most famous temple in the Acropolis, the Parthenon is dedicated to Athena and was constructed at the height of the empire’s power. Its decorative sculptures and friezes are still considered some of the high points of Greek art, including the awe-inspiring long-lost statue which it once housed: the Athena Parthenos.
The Parthenon is such an iconic monument and has such an extensive and well-recorded history that I couldn’t possibly try to summarize it all here. (I would be typing for the next two years.) Instead, you can read about its creation, destruction, restoration, and importance here.
You may also come across the Temple of Dionysus and a few other famous ruins in and around the Acropolis. But no matter where you go and what you see, taking a few hours to step through time into the distant past will leave you feeling euphoric and satisfied as you trek back down the mountain and try not to slip on the well-worn marble streets.
This is a monument that you absolutely must see!
Adventure on, my friends.
Have you been to the Acropolis? What was your favorite part? If you haven’t been, what do you think will be your favorite part? Did you learn anything new while reading the article? Is there anything you would want to add? Leave a comment below and let me know!