Things to do in Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is a unique place in the world, one of the few where the history of mankind seems to revive, inebriating the present with its ancient scent. Visiting the Acropolis, symbol of Athens, means to remain amazed and enchanted at the sight of the sum of the ideal classical beauty.
Built on a rock which rises to 156 meters above sea level, the Acropolis (from the Greek "high city") was the religious heart of the Greek capital. Actually its history has even deeper roots: the rocky outcrop was the site of fortifications and the prince’s residence in the Mycenaean age. In the first half of the sixth century B.C. it ceased to be a fortress and became a place of worship, housing the temple dedicated to the local deities.
In 480 B.C. the Acropolis was overwhelmed by the Persian occupation. During the age of Pericles, in the fifth century B.C., to celebrate the victory over the Persians, the Athenians took on the reconstruction, which gave birth to the Parthenon, a peripteral octostyle Doric temple with Ionic architectural features, magnificent emblem of the Acropolis. A tribute to the goddess who had protected the town during the Persian war and symbol of the power of Athens, the Parthenon housed the colossal statue of Athena Parthenos. Now lost, the sculpture, designed by Phidias, was 11 meters high and covered with ivory and gold.
The reconstruction of the Acropolis was completed with the Propylaea, which served as a monumental entrance to the upper town, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Ionic temple of the Erechtheion, with its famous Porch of the Maidens, with draped female figures (caryatids) as supporting columns.
Our recommendations in Acropolis of Athens
Athens: Acropolis Ticket with Audio Tour & City Audio Tour
Book your Acropolis ticket with an audio tour and discover the rich background of the site following the footsteps of early Athenians.
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Acropolis of Athens guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Discover the Acropolis of Athens during a guided tour or a tour with skip-the-line ticket included.
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Private Athens Tour with Acropolis and Plaka
The ancient Greeks left behind a treasure trove of monuments, statues and artefacts in Athens. And on this private tour, you'll take in all the top spots with an expert guide. Exclusively for you and your party, you'll tour highlights including the Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, the Plaka neighbourhood and the UNESCO-listed Acropolis. Vassiliki, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Acropolis means “high city” and it usually refers to any settlement built on top of a hill. You'll find many towns in Greece that have an acropolis, but the Acropolis of Athens is certainly the most famous.'You'll start with a guided tour of the Acropolis – with skip-the-line tickets, there'll be no waiting around. Soak up wow-factor views over Athens at the Areopagus – a rocky hill where legend has it the Greek gods would hold court. Let your guide bring history to life as you marvel at ancient landmarks like the Roman Agora, the Theatre of Dionysus and the still-standing columns of the Asklepieion and Parthenon. Then, it's on to the city's Instagram-worthy old quarter, Plaka – the capital's most appealing and historic neighbourhood. Always thronged with a mix of locals and visitors, the pedestrianised lanes are brimming with tavernas whose tables spill onto the streets. Vassiliki says, ‘Athenians call this area “the neighbourhood of the Gods,' as it has been inhabited since the days of ancient Greece. In fact, excavations show that the street layout has barely changed since antiquity.'
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Athens full-day tour with Acropolis and Cape Sounion
Discover the Acropolis of Athens and Cape Sounio during this tour! Enjoy your experience and learn more about ancient Greece.
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Athens: Acropolis Ticket with Audio Tour & City Audio Tour
Book your Acropolis ticket with an audio tour and discover the rich background of the site following the footsteps of early Athenians.
en, it, fr, es, de
Acropolis of Athens guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Discover the Acropolis of Athens during a guided tour or a tour with skip-the-line ticket included.
en
Private Athens Tour with Acropolis and Plaka
The ancient Greeks left behind a treasure trove of monuments, statues and artefacts in Athens. And on this private tour, you'll take in all the top spots with an expert guide. Exclusively for you and your party, you'll tour highlights including the Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, the Plaka neighbourhood and the UNESCO-listed Acropolis. Vassiliki, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Acropolis means “high city” and it usually refers to any settlement built on top of a hill. You'll find many towns in Greece that have an acropolis, but the Acropolis of Athens is certainly the most famous.'You'll start with a guided tour of the Acropolis – with skip-the-line tickets, there'll be no waiting around. Soak up wow-factor views over Athens at the Areopagus – a rocky hill where legend has it the Greek gods would hold court. Let your guide bring history to life as you marvel at ancient landmarks like the Roman Agora, the Theatre of Dionysus and the still-standing columns of the Asklepieion and Parthenon. Then, it's on to the city's Instagram-worthy old quarter, Plaka – the capital's most appealing and historic neighbourhood. Always thronged with a mix of locals and visitors, the pedestrianised lanes are brimming with tavernas whose tables spill onto the streets. Vassiliki says, ‘Athenians call this area “the neighbourhood of the Gods,' as it has been inhabited since the days of ancient Greece. In fact, excavations show that the street layout has barely changed since antiquity.'
de, en, fr
Athens full-day tour with Acropolis and Cape Sounion
Discover the Acropolis of Athens and Cape Sounio during this tour! Enjoy your experience and learn more about ancient Greece.
en
Combo ticket to Acropolis of Athens with Hop on - hop off bus
Book your tickets to the Acropolis with hop-on-hop-off bus access and don't miss out on the best views and points of interest that this city has to offer
Self-guided Discovery Walk in Athens hidden gems and history
Explore Athens during this interactive Discovery Game. Solve riddles that lead you through the city while learning about its history.
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Acropolis Museum e-ticket with audio tour on your phone
Experience the Acropolis Museum with an e-ticket combined with a self-guided audio tour on your smartphone.
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Smartphone audio tour for the Acropolis Museum
Enjoy this audio tour of the Acropolis Museum of Athens on your smartphone and admire the treasures of Ancient Greece.
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Acropolis and museum tickets with three audio tours
Book three audio guided tours of Athens with the Acropolis and museum tickets.
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Athens Ticket Pass: Acropolis & 6 Sites with Audio Tours
Don't miss the chance to discover Ancient Athens' top attractions and learn about their history from three audio tours accessed on your phone.
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Acropolis, Parthenon and New Acropolis Museum half-day private tour
Book a private highlights tour of Athens with skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum included. Discover the most iconic archeological site in Greece with a guide, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysos.
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Guided tour of Athens with Acropolis, Parthenon and Museum tickets
Experience the Acropolis of Athens. Visit the new Acropolis museum, which displays the findings of this archaeological site.
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Acropolis of Athens
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Reviews Acropolis of Athens
“We felt like we saw everything in Athens with this tour, although it was a bit long and could have used a few more breaks. We found the best price on Musement and enjoyed booking through them.”
“Quick booking and low price - we booked as soon as we got to Athens!”
“Un'esperienza che rifarei più che volentieri!”
“Recorrer la hermosa ciudad de Atenas con esta excursión fue una excelente decisión”
