June 5, 2025

The Acropolis of Athens: History and Architecture

The main symbol of Greece’s rich cultural and historical heritage is the Athens Acropolis. This ancient hill has stood for many centuries and has played a key role in thousands of stories. Visit it to touch the era of great philosophers, artists, and architects and to understand the significance of this site for world culture. We share everything you need to know about the Acropolis in Athens, and you can start searching for flights.

History

First, let’s clarify what the Athens Acropolis actually is. It’s the hill rising 156 meters above the city. Hundreds of years ago, it was the religious, cultural, and political center of the region—temples where locals prayed to the Greek gods once stood here. The most significant structures that remain today were built in the 5th century BC, although the first sanctuaries on the hill date back long before that. All that’s left is to buy your flights to Athens and see it all with your own eyes.

Architecture

The Acropolis in Athens comprises many buildings, preserved to varying degrees. We’ve highlighted the most significant ones that are definitely worth visiting during an independent or group tour.

Parthenon

This is the main temple on the Acropolis, dedicated to the city’s patron goddess, Athena Parthenos. It is recognized as a masterpiece of antiquity and a symbol of Greek culture. With its clean lines, perfect proportions, numerous columns, and rich sculptural decoration, the temple was architecturally flawless. Inside stood an 11-meter-tall statue of Athena made of wood and covered with gold and ivory.

Erechtheion

You can’t miss the Erechtheion on the list of Athens landmarks. It is a couple of decades younger than the Parthenon and follows a different architectural style that sets it apart. The temple was built in honor of Athena, Poseidon, and King Erechtheus. Inside were relics dedicated to the Greek gods.

Temple of Nike

This building is surrounded by some historical confusion. It is dedicated to one aspect of the goddess Athena—Athena Nike (Athena the Victorious)—but many mistakenly believe that the main deity of the temple is Nike, the winged goddess of victory. This relatively small structure once had the most lavish sculptural decoration in the city.

Archaeological Finds

Historians have discovered numerous artifacts on the Acropolis grounds: statues, sculpture fragments, pottery, and ancient tools. Of particular interest are frescoes depicting scenes from myths and the remains of ancient altars and ritual objects. These can be seen both in the temples themselves and in local museums.

Visiting the Acropolis

Tour Tips

The answer to the question “Where is the Athens Acropolis?” is very simple—it’s in the city center. You can get there on foot, by taxi, or via public transit (Akropolis metro station on the red line). We recommend booking a hotel in Athens near the hill.

Start your Acropolis tour by climbing the stairs or taking the funicular. There are two ticket entrances to the complex—the main entrance and a side entrance near the Theatre of Dionysus. The side entrance is available for group tickets or fast-track access.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

If you want to visit these temples in Athens, be sure to check the official website for updated information. The Acropolis’s hours depend on the season. There are several ticket options—some include museum entry, and others come with an audio guide. Prices start at €30.

If you find yourself in Athens, don’t even hesitate about what to see. Head straight to the Acropolis. It is one of the world’s most important monuments and a priceless legacy of antiquity. For a few hours, you’ll feel transported back in time and become part of a great culture. To make your trip comfortable, consider using the TravelHub hotel booking service.

Latest news