Acropolis of Athens

The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city’s history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.

In the mid-fifth century BC, when the Acropolis became the seat of the Athenian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Perikles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. Athenians and foreigners alike worked on this project, receiving a salary of one drachma a day. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today – that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period under the supervision of the greatest architects, sculptors and artists of their time. The temples on the north side of the Acropolis housed primarily the earlier Athenian cults and those of the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to the cult of Athena in her many qualities: as Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory).

Administrative Information:

Official Unit:
Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens
Athens (Prefecture of Attiki)
Telephone: +302109238747 , 2103214172 (Acropolis chief guards Office)
Fax: +302109239023 , 2103214173 (Acropolis chief guards Office)
Email: efaath@culture.gr

Tickets:
Full: €20, Reduced: €10
Valid for the archaeological site of the Acropolis and its Slopes.
Tickets are available at ticket offices on site as well as online.

Amenities for the physically challenged:
Elevator available for wheelchairs, people with diminished abilities and any parent attending two or more infants on her/his own. The elevator is located about 350 m. far from the main entrance of the archaeological site.

Users of the elevator should contact in advance for details and terms (+302103214172, +302109238470). The facility is not available during extreme weather conditions and strong winds.

Access:
1.Metro Station “ACROPOLIS”, then via Dionysiou Areopagitou str.
2. Metro Station “ACROPOLIS” then through the archaeological site of South Slope, Dionysiou Areopagitou & Thrasyllou str.
3. Metro Station “MONASTIRAKI”, then through the archaeological site of Ancient Agora, or Plaka district.

Shop:
The Museum Shop located at the entrance of the site is open from 8:00 till 19:30 during the summer period and from 8:00 til 17:00 during the winter period.
Tel. +30 210-3222816

SOURCE: www.odysseus.culture.gr
Ephorate of Antiquities of the Prefecture City of Athens