Spiritual centre of Athens The Acropolis with its ancient temples rises up 100 metres over Athens.  Built on limestone rock hill, the area retains a peculiar majesty. It's first known purpose was a citadel for the kings of Athens, and later became a centre of worship. According to Greek mythology, the city of Athens was founded on the crag of rock of the Acropolis by the Phoenician Kekrops but named after the goddess Athena because she won a dispute by her gift of the olive tree which was considered useful and of value.  Patron of Athens, many temples bore tribute to Athena.

The Parthenon at the highest point of the Acropolis,  Athens

If you are coming to Athens for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games you cannot miss an opportunity to see one of the world's most famous sites. The rocky outcrop, which rises majestically above the city, has always been a sacred place, revered with mystic rites and rituals. Around 650BC there emerged a cult of devotion to the goddess Athena as protector of the young city. Early temples were built on the Acropolis hill, which were later replaced (450-330BC) by the wonders that can still be seen today.

The Temples

The most famous temple is the Parthenon. The massive structure is made of marble from Penteli mountain (found at the edge of the modern city). The structure is supported by large columns and is decorated with friezes showing classical scenes. One bone of contention with the Greeks is that certain works of art, namely the 'Elgin Marbles' were plundered or 'removed' by Lord Elgin in the 19th century and now adorn the British Museum in London. You may wish to add your name to the petition for their return to their rightful place.  Other structures include: The Erechtheion, The Temple of Athena Nike and The Propylaea.  Detailed guide books about the Acropolis, its temples and associated buildings are available for sale on arrival.

The Karyatides supporting the south east porch of the Erechtheion	Temple ruins

Entry Fee

Tickets are 12 euros (in 2003) for adults.  This also buys access to several other sites including the Agora.  EU students can get in free (but you must have a valid international student card - students from outside the EU pay half price). The ticket office is to the left of the main entrance. There is also a snack shop and toilets.

Restoration Programme

There is a restoration programme in place that began in 1983. The ancient ruins are somewhat marred by scaffolding, a railway line, cranes and other heavy machinery. Progress appears to be fairly slow, certain sections are being carved before replacement. How ancient peoples managed to build the ornate majestic temples and to elevate heavy marble sections into place without modern machinery is a mystery. White rocks litter the ground like pieces from a giant 3D jigsaw. The marble temples and columns are grey in colour because of age and pollution, but would have originally shone lightning white, and must have been the most amazing sight.

The Parthenon surrounded by scaffolding in 2003	Cranes and heavy machinery used in the Restoration Project

Walking across the Acropolis is hazardous in places because of the marble stones worn to a glassy finish. 

The Acropolis Museum

There is an air-conditioned museum for the more delicate exhibits. The entrance to the museum is guarded by a sculpture of an owl, representative of the goddess Athena. Inside, there are marbles, friezes and four of the incredible Caryatides (Karyatides) from the one of the two porches of the Erechtheion. 

2 of the four Karyatides exhibited inside the Acropolis Museum	Sculpture of a horse

A marble kore in the museum, from around 530 B called a 'peplophorus' bears a striking resemblance to English pop artist 'Boy George'.

A shop in the courtyard of the museum sells guide books and postcards. A print on the wall shows an impression of how beautiful and awesome the Acropolis would have looked originally. 

Superb views of Athens

East of the museum is a raised platform with superb views towards Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf. The city of Athens can be clearly viewed all around and provides another opportunity for photographs. 

Wonderful view of Lycavittos Hill and Athens as seen from the Acropolis

Philosopher's Stone

Leaving the Acropolis can be slightly more difficult because the ground slopes downwards. The marble has been covered in places with a gritty concrete to help prevent falls. On your descent you may notice people climbing over a rocky outcrop on the right just outside the entrance to the Acropolis. This is the Philosopher's stone, worn to a deadly smoothness by the feet of endless crowds climbing to sit where the ancient philosophers sat and expounded their theories. 

Ancient Agora

If you turn right on exit, the road leads to the Agora, or old market and meeting place, through gardens. Your entry to the Acropolis covers the entry fee for the Ancient and Roman Agora. It's another place of extensive ruins overlooked by the magnificent temple of Hephaistos on the Agora hill. The Stoa of Attalos is a 380ft long restored building with a double row of Doric columns on the ground floor and Ionic columns on the upper floor. It used to contain ancient shops and government offices and now houses the museum with another collection of sculptures and ancient relics. 

The opposite end of the Agora site via the Panathenaic Way leads to Monastiraki with its variety of cafes and some interesting small shops. One section specializes in furniture with tiny repair shops seemingly full of junk and antiques.

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