Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis (Self Guided), Athens

The modern Acropolis Museum is a four-story, full-glass depository of all artifacts discovered in and around the Acropolis since 2009. Collections are presented on the first three floors, while the fourth floor houses a museum shop and café serving authentic Greek cuisine.

At the entry, visitors are welcomed by an ancient owl, the revered bird of Athena goddess, dating back to 500 BC. The array of exhibits includes freestanding sculptures of deities and humans, marble figures, fragmented artifacts, and friezes. The exterior entrance and walkways are paved mostly with glass to allow visitors a glimpse of the excavated remnants of the ancient civilization beneath.

The collection is chronologically arranged, starting with discoveries from the Acropolis slopes, such as statues and reliefs from the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The Archaic Collection is displayed in a double-height gallery, showcasing fragments of painted pedimental statues with mythological scenes, including Hercules grappling with monsters. On the level below, the post-Parthenon Collection comprises sculptures from the Temple of Athena Nike and architectural elements from the Propylaea and the Erechtheion. This includes five of the original six caryatids from the south porch; the sixth one is held at the British Museum.

Well-organized and air-conditioned, the Acropolis Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of ancient Athens, as well as affords visitors panoramic views of the Acropolis itself. Multimedia presentations enhance the experience, and personal guides available on site provide for a deeper understanding of displayed artifacts.

Tip:
Start with the informative video on the third floor. Then work your way downward, and take a break on the outdoor terrace on the second floor.

Located in the Weiler Building, named after the Bavarian engineer who constructed it in 1836, this museum is an integral part of the Acropolis Museum's research workshops. The building has a rich history, having served as a military hospital and a gendarmes barracks before becoming the home of a remarkable exhibition, offering a fascinating glimpse into the original state of the Acropolis and providing a concise overview of its history.

Among the treasures on display are casts of pediment sculptures from the Parthenon, casts of the Parthenon's Metopes depicting scenes from the Trojan War, casts of friezes from the Parthenon, and models depicting the Acropolis as it appeared in ancient Greece. You'll also find paintings representing the facade of the Paroplaia as it was in classical Greece, examples of the clay-tiled roofs that once covered the monuments near the Acropolis, as well as an archaeological dig site!

The museum's gift shop features unique and high-quality products, including children's books and jewelry, setting it apart from typical souvenir shops. Additionally, the on-site café boasts the best view in Athens of the Acropolis, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery, although some may find the prices a bit steep. Nonetheless, the view makes it well worth the visit.

Perched on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysos holds immense cultural and historical importance as the birthplace of and a central venue for Greek drama.

The location was deliberately chosen near the temple of Dionysus, the god of wine and patron of drama. During the 5th century BC, the ancient Greeks held an annual festival in honor of the god Dionysus. The central events of the festival were the theatrical performances of dramatic tragedies and comedies.

The Dionysus Festival typically spanned about five to six days. Theatrical competitions were held during the festival, and winning the competitions was highly esteemed. Winners received both public honors and cash prizes. It was during these annual Dionysia festivals that renowned Greek playwrights, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, saw their works staged here as part of theatrical contests.

The ruins visible today are partly remnants of a much larger structure built by the Romans, capable of seating up to 17,000. The Romans used it as a gladiatorial arena, for which purpose, a marble balustrade with metal railings was added for spectators' safety.

Also of note is a cave above the theater dedicated to the goddess Artemis. In the Byzantine era, this cave was transformed into a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave and served as a place where mothers brought their ailing children.

Today, the Theater of Dionysus serves as a symbol of Athens's enduring legacy in the arts and theatre. Sitting in one of its stone seats is a great way to appreciate this historically significant theater in the Western world.

This stone amphitheater, nestled at the base of the Acropolis, ranks among Athens' most sizable and best-preserved classical Greek theatrical venues. Constructed in 161 AD by the wealthy Greek aristocrat and Roman consul Herodes Atticus, it was meant as a memorial to his wife.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, often simply referred to as the Herodeion, was primarily used as a venue for musical and dramatic performances. The theater was equipped to accommodate orchestral and vocal performances. This included both solo and group performances, ranging from choral works to instrumental music.

The Odeon was also used for theatrical performances, which were an integral part of ancient Greek culture. These performances included tragedies, comedies, and other dramatic works, reflecting the rich tradition of Greek drama. In addition to its use for performances, the Herodeion was a venue for public events and ceremonies, contributing to its role as a central cultural hub in ancient Athens.

Originally, the orchestra area was covered by a cedar roof. The spectators' seats were likely open to the sky, as there are no remnants of supports for an extended roof here.

Today, it continues to serve as a vibrant venue for a variety of cultural events, including performances of classical music, drama, and modern productions. Attending a concert here on a balmy summer evening, with the moon overhead, is a great way to experience firsthand the magnificence of ancient Greek architecture at its peak!

Tips:
International acts are frequent, so check the program ahead of your trip to Athens. Of course, securing tickets in advance is contingent on favorable weather conditions for an open-air concert.

Measuring a mere 11 feet (3.3 meters) in height, this small, jewel-box-like temple often escapes notice amid the grandeur of the Acropolis. Positioned atop the rock wall to the right of the Propylaea Gate, it comes into view as you enter the Acropolis from the upper right.

Despite being destroyed twice in its history, this temple has been meticulously reconstructed, using original masonry fragments. As a result, you can now appreciate its immaculate symmetrical design, featuring four Ionic columns at each end, just as it was in 420 BC. Back then Athenians gathered here to commemorate their victories over the Persians (the temple's frieze showcases scenes from the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC).

Designed by Kallikrates, the temple served dual roles as an observation point and an ancient shrine dedicated to the goddess of victory, Athena Nike. A remarkable sculpture of her graces the temple's balustrade. Unlike typical statues that usually depict the goddess with wings, this one is wingless, symbolizing the idea that victory will never leave the city.

Legend has it that the temple's location marks the spot where King Aegeus awaited his son, Theseus, from a mission to Crete to vanquish the Minotaur. Theseus promised that, if successful, upon his return, he would raise white sails on his ship (instead of the usual black). But Theseus forgot his pledge. When the king saw the black sails, he assumed that his son was killed and plunged into the sea, which today bears his name - the Aegean Sea.

The Propylaea serves as the grand entrance to the Acropolis in Athens, welcoming thousands of tourists who pass through it on their way to the other ancient monuments surrounding the Acropolis. With the original stairs having been lost to time, visitors today enter and exit via specially constructed slopes. As you walk through this gateway, take a moment to contemplate the incredible architectural achievement of the ancient Greeks, who built such a monumental structure on such a challenging site.

Designed by the architect Mnesicles and constructed between 437-432 BC, the Propylaea is a remarkable structure in its own right. It consists of a central building flanked by two wings on the outer side, one to the north and one to the south. The colonnades on the east and west sides featured Doric columns, while Ionic columns divided the gateway into three sections. Notably, this is the first known building from the classical period with both Doric and Ionic colonnades visible at the same time, supporting the roof. The coffered ceiling of the Propylaea's central building was originally painted to depict a heavenly scene, adding to its grandeur.

As you pass through the gateway, you can imagine the anticipation of ancient pilgrims, as each of the five heavy wooden doors along the walkway would have been opened in succession. Among the rooms within the Propylaea, the only one that was completed is the second room on the northern side. This space served as a refuge for visitors to the Acropolis and, according to the 2nd-century AD geographer Pausanias, also functioned as a picture gallery (Pinakotheke). Its walls were adorned with panels and frescoes.

The Propylaea endured through the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods, but it suffered significant damage in 1656 due to an explosion of a powder magazine. Since 1984, efforts have been made to partially restore this magnificent gateway.

Tip:
Just beyond the Propylaea, to your right, lie the remains of the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia, dating back to the 4th century BC.

Constructed between 421 and 406 BC, the Erechtheion was dedicated to two powerful deities of the Greek pantheon, Athena and Poseidon. According to myth, the two competed for the city's patronage, to secure which they each provided a valuable gift. Poseidon, the god of the sea, struck the ground with his trident, creating a saltwater spring, while Athena, the goddess of wisdom, planted an olive tree that sprouted. Her gift was deemed more beneficial by locals, and so she became the city's patron. They also say that this temple stands on the very spot where Poseidon's trident left its marks.

A sacred sanctuary and a focal point for religious rituals in classical Athens, this unique monument is renowned for its graceful Ionic architecture. The spacious rectangular cella inside used to comprise three chambers. One of them held the sacred olivewood statue of Athena, while the other two were dedicated to Poseidon, symbolizing their reconciliation after the legendary conflict.

The cella was encircled by porticoes on the north, east, and south sides. The latter, famously known as the Porch of the Caryatids, featured six imposing female statues supporting the porch roof with their heads. The maiden sculptures currently in place are replicas; the originals are kept in the Acropolis Museum, protected from elements to avoid further deterioration.

Over the years, the Erechtheion complex has served various purposes, including as a harem for the wives of the Ottoman commander, in 1463. It also suffered extensive damage when a Turkish shell struck it during the Greek War of Independence, in 1827. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tip:
Consider taking a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history and significance. If you opt to explore it independently, plan to visit in the morning and be sure to carry water, as no refreshments are available inside.

Perched atop the Acropolis, overlooking the city of Athens, the ancient temple of Parthenon is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of classical architecture in the world. Built in the 5th century BC under the leadership of the Athenian statesman Pericles, this temple replaced an older sanctuary dedicated to the city's patron deity, Athena. Covered in ivory and gold, the 12-meter statue of the goddess of wisdom and warfare—"Athena Parthenos"—took center stage.

At that time, Athens was at the height of its power and influence, particularly after its victory in the Persian Wars and the establishment of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states. The temple's construction was not just a religious endeavor but also a political statement, symbolizing the city's wealth, cultural achievements, and its leadership in promoting democracy and the arts.

A prime example of Doric architecture, the structure was built using high-quality Pentelic marble. In the 5th century AD, it was converted into a church, and later, under Turkish rule, into a mosque. In 1687, during the Venetian siege of the Acropolis, the temple suffered substantial damage from bombardment. Further harm occurred in the early 19th century, when Lord Elgin looted much of its sculptural decoration, currently displayed at the British Museum.

Despite these adversities, the Parthenon endures as one of Greece's most significant surviving architectural monuments and, over the years, has been a source of inspiration for many public buildings worldwide. Originally constructed as a testament to the glory of ancient Athens, it still serves as the city's emblem.

Tips:
Plan your visit to the Acropolis early in the morning to avoid long queues.
The site has two entrance gates; make sure you enter and exit via different gates so as to fully explore the site.
To save money, consider purchasing a combined ticket that covers entry to other attractions too, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora of Athens.