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Acropolis of Athens

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

ruins

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The Acropolis of Athens is the most famous citadel in the world and the ultimate symbol of Greek antiquity and democracy. Perched on a prominent limestone rock above the city, it houses masterpieces of classical architecture built in the 5th century BC under the direction of the statesman Pericles. The centerpiece is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, renowned for its excellent proportions and rich sculptural decoration. Other significant structures include the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the monumental Propylaea serving as the gateway. Over the millennia, the Acropolis has functioned as a fortress, a religious center, and even a palace, surviving numerous wars, sieges, and reconstructions. Despite severe damage, notably from an explosion in 1687, it remains a testament to the cultural and artistic zenith of Ancient Greece. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage monument undergoing continuous restoration with state-of-the-art techniques to preserve its structural integrity for future generations.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Athena Promachos statue place · Bronze Foundries · Propylaea
Nearby: South Athens (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	10	12	15	20	25	28	27	24	19	15	11
Rain mm	66	58	53	30	21	20	12	8	29	49	69	86

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel on a rocky hill above Athens. Visitors can walk among the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other ruins, but access is restricted to designated paths.

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Typical hours

The site usually opens from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in summer, with shorter hours in winter. Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing; check official times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed for personal use; drones are prohibited. Avoid using flash near the marble surfaces to prevent damage.

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Time needed

Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the Acropolis. Combined with the Acropolis Museum, allow half a day.

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Combine with

Combine with the nearby Ancient Agora, Plaka neighborhood, and the Acropolis Museum. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is within walking distance.

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Getting there

Access via the main entrance on Dionysiou Areopagitou street. Alternatively, use the side entrance near the Acropolis Museum for smaller queues.

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Insider tip

Buy your ticket online in advance to skip long queues. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Geography

Coordinates

37.97150, 23.72570

Facts

The Parthenon was constructed in just 15 years between 447 and 432 BC.
The Acropolis rock rises approximately 150 meters above sea level.
In 1687, a Venetian shell exploded inside the Parthenon, which was being used as a powder magazine.
Lord Elgin removed significant portions of the Parthenon frieze in the early 19th century.
The Acropolis was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1987.
The Erechtheion marks the spot where Poseidon and Athena allegedly competed for the city.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Parthenon<1 km · EExplore →

National Archaeological Museum2 km · NExplore →

Zografou3 km · EExplore →

Nea Smyrni3 km · SWExplore →

Moschato4 km · SWExplore →

South Athens5 km · SWExplore →

Agios Ioannis Renti5 km · WExplore →

Peristeri5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Acropolis of Athens (10)

Athena Promachos statue place

Site of the colossal lost bronze statue of Athena Promachos by Phidias on the Acropolis.

Bronze Foundries

Area on the Acropolis where bronze was cast in antiquity.

Propylaea

The monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens, built in the 5th century BC.

Nemesis Temple

Remains of a possible sanctuary of Nemesis on the Acropolis rock.

Archaic Fountain

Ancient fountain on the Acropolis, used during the Archaic period.

Aphrodite Temple

Foundations of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite on the Acropolis.

Old Parthenon

Foundation of the earlier Parthenon, destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC.

Arriforion

Building on the Acropolis, possibly used for storing ritual equipment.

Monument of Agrippa

Marble base of a statue of Marcus Agrippa near the Acropolis entrance.

Cave of Zeus Astrapaios

Natural cave in the Acropolis rock, dedicated to Zeus of the Lightning.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning at 8:00 AM or late afternoon is best to avoid the midday heat and cruise ship crowds.

Is there an elevator for people with limited mobility?

Yes, an elevator on the north side is available, but it often requires prior notification or proof of disability.

Is photography allowed inside the Parthenon?

You can photograph the exterior, but entering the interior of the temple is strictly forbidden for visitors.

How long does an average visit take?

Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire plateau and the surrounding slopes.

Is the Acropolis Museum included in the ticket?

No, the Acropolis Museum requires a separate entrance ticket, which must be purchased at the base of the hill.

Acropolis of Athens: where is it located?

Acropolis of Athens is located in Greece.

Acropolis of Athens: what is there to see?

Highlights include Athena Promachos statue place, Bronze Foundries, Propylaea.

Acropolis of Athens: when is the best time to visit?