The Acropolis

THE ACROPOLIS

In my opinion, the Acropolis is one of our planet’s most fascinating places. This 150 meter high limestone plateau was the original Athens. When the city’s population grew to about 250,000, people started moving down to the surrounding areas. The Acropolis was one of 20 finalists under consideration for the recently named New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Acropolis contains:
• The Parthenon, an all-marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena
• The Erechtheion, a tomb built to honor Erechtheus, a legendary king of Athens that features Caryatids supporting its porch
• Museum of the Acropolis

It also immediately overlooks:
• Odeum of Herodes Atticus (southeast)
• Theater of Dionysus Eleuthereus (south)
• Mars Hill (northwest)

Sights that can be seen in the distance from the Belvedere on the east end:
• Mt. Likavitos
• Panathenian Olympic Stadium
• Olympieion (Zeus Temple)

The Acropolis is in the midst of many extensive repair projects and renovations. Keep an eye on the city on a hill as Athens restores the area, synonymous with modern democracy, to its former glory.

I've said this before... You get into the hype, finally get there and say... that's it. The Acropolis is one of the been there done that places. You have to go and will be happy you did. Just keep your pre-visit excitement to a minimum.

The Acropolis of Athens is a great spot to visit on your trip. The number one rule is that you must be there when it opens, an hour later, it gets very, very, very hot up there. You are on top of a mound that is exposed to the sun and once the day begins to develop, you don't want to be caught up there.

You pay for an entrance ticket that comes with accompanying tickets that get you into other places, so be sure to go visit the Temple of Zeus and the other places you are entitled to. It's great to walk from Syntagma Square up through an alley of homes on the hillside to get to the Acropolis, but there is a direct route (boring). Bring your water and snacks because they charge and arm and a leg once you get up there, but if you need to know, there is a post office up there.

There are little ole ladies charging 70-80 euro for "Guided tours"; spend the money on a Frommer's book and you'll have all the information you need! The scammers are everywhere!

It's an fair walk to the new Museum; easy for the young and active, a bit far for the disabled or aged traveler.

Obviously, the Acropolis should be at the top of anyone's list when sightseeing around Athens. The birthplace of democracy is very much intact considering its age and restoration is underway using only original materials that have fallen to the ground. The views to the rest of the city from the high vantage point of the Acropolis are breathtaking and the history is awe-inspiring. It will take you at least one full day to explore the entire area. There is an intricate maze of narrow streets just outside of the Acropolis containing countless souvenir shops and cafes. This is a good place to get a cup of coffee and pick up some gifts.

If you are ever in Greece or even the Islands you have got to visit the Acropolis!!! This place is Amazing, When you are up there you can see the whole of Athens fromm every direction, it is really like a concrete jungle as far as the eye can see and really weird to look at. It was 20 years ago when I went but I still would love to go back now. I honestly cant remember how much it cost to vist etc as I was 15 at the time, if it was expensive it was worth every penny!

When in Athens, a climb up to the Acropolis is a must. A few tips:

1. Bring a guide book: When you buy your ticket, it is good for several locations but without a guidebook, it is tricky to find the other locations. We borrowed a Michelin Guide from the library and were glad we did. We also had the luck of being there during strikes of the park employees, which hopefully was making them less helpful than usual, but it is possible that they are not helpful people and/or there really are no maps available all the time, so a little research before you leave can prove to be very helpful.

2. Bring bottled water: No water is sold at the top and it is a hot walk (especially in the middle of the day).

3. Protect yourself from the sun: Wear a hat, long sleeves, use the sunscreen liberally...there is not much shade around.

4. Hold on to your hat!: It is really windy at the top - make sure everything is secured before walking through the pillars.

5. Have fun!

Athens is a beautiful city, crazy, but vibrant and exciting. Old Athens is like stepping back in time, with the cobbled streets and all the shops selling leather. The amazing glass wear u can buy is definately worth the high prices, its so beautiful!

Looking young i managed to get up the acropolis for free, as did my mum being a senior. it was very impressive and great view of the city. the only bad thing was a lot of rennovation wok was being done, but then with it all being so old and at risk from earthquakes all the time it's only right they try and protect it.

Athens id definately somewhere i'd want to go again, i'd love to experience the nightlife there as it seemed there was a lot going on.