DK Travel : Athens : Acropolis

Acropolis

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The temples on the “Sacred Rock” of Athens are considered the most important monuments in the Western world, for they have exerted more influence on our architecture than anything since. The great marble masterpieces were constructed during the late 5th-century BC reign of Perikles, the Golden Age of Athens. Most were temples built to honour Athena, the city’s patron goddess. Still breathtaking for their proportion and scale, both human and majestic, the temples were adorned with magnificent, dramatic sculptures of the gods.

Top 10 Sights

1. Acropolis Rock

As the highest part of the city, the rock is an ideal place for refuge, religion and royalty. The Acropolis Rock has been used continuously for these purposes since Neolithic times.
2. Propylaia

At the top of the rock, you are greeted by the Propylaia, the grand entrance through which all visitors passed to reach the summit temples.
3. Temple of Athena Nike (“Victory”)

There has been a temple to a goddess of victory at this location since prehistoric times, as it protects and stands over the part of the rock most vulnerable to enemy attack.
4. Panathenaic Way

The route used in an ancient procession when a new tunic, or peplos , would have been offered to Athena, along with sacrifices.
5. Parthenon

This was the epitome of ancient Greek Classical art, a magnificent “Temple to the Virgin”, goddess Athena, who was represented inside by a giant gold and ivory sculpture.
6. Erechtheion

According to myth, Athena and Poseidon battled for patronage of Athens on this spot. The Erechtheion’s design unites separate temples to each of the two gods.
7. Acropolis Museum

The current museum is to be superseded by the glittering New Acropolis Museum, opening in 2007, but for a while they will both be in operation.
8. Panagia Chrysospiliotissa

Originally dedicated to the god of wine and revelry, the cave was later turned into the church of the Virgin of the Golden Cave.
9. Herodes Atticus Theatre

A much later addition, built in 161 by its namesake. In summer it hosts the Athens Festival (see Festivals and Events).
10. Dionysus Theatre

This mosaic-tiled theatre was the site of Classical Greece’s drama competitions, where the tragedies and comedies by the great playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides) were first performed. The theatre seated 15,000, and you can still see engraved front-row marble seats, reserved for priests of Dionysus.

Practical Information

Visit first thing in the morning or at sunset to avoid the energy-sapping midday heat and multitudinous tour groups. The cantinas at the Acropolis are out-rageously overpriced. Bring your own (large) bottle of water and a snack. 210 321 4172-2 www.culture.gr Metro: Akropoli Apr–Sep: 8am–7:30pm daily; Oct–Mar: 8:30am–3pm daily Adm €12; students half price Admission price includes entry into Kerameikos, Theatre of Dionysus, Agora, Roman Forum and Temple of Olympian Zeus (valid for 4 days)