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Why the Acropolis
in Greece is special
The 2400-year-old Acropolis is the symbol of the ancient Greek civilization
whose art, literature and zeal for democracy still influence our world today.
About the Acropolis
 It is a
mammoth, steep-sided rock outcropping crowned by a complex of temples and other
monumental buildings.
The
Acropolis of the Golden Age was
conceived and championed by the 5th century BC Athenian leader Pericles.
Interestingly, while the world today
widely praises its architecture, some of his contemporaries considered it to be in
poor taste.
Parthenon
The focal point of the Acropolis complex is the
stunning Parthenon (see top-right section of photo).
The
Acropolis was
erected around 440 BC during the Golden Age of Greece. It honored Athena, the city's protecting
goddess.
After
the fall of ancient Greece, the Parthenon was used for various purposes
including church, mosque and military facility.
Today,
the Parthenon is under reconstruction, so expect scaffolding.
Other main
Acropolis attractions
They
include:
 Caryatids
- They are a photogenic row of five statues of maidens supporting the porch of
the Erechtheion Temple. (They are copies. Four of the originals are in the
nearby Acropolis Museum. The other is in the British Museum in London.)
Nike
Temple - This small, distinguished temple honors Athena.
Propylaea
- The monumental entrance gateway to the Acropolis.
Also don't miss the Dionysus and Atticus theatres carved into the lower slopes
of the Acropolis.
Time has
been unkind to
the Acropolis
In 1687
(over 2,000 years after the Acropolis was built),
a stray cannon shell blew up ammunition being
stored inside the Parthenon. The explosion
permanently collapsed the roof and seriously
damaged the columned walls.
In the early 1800s,
priceless marbles (now called the Elgin Marbles)
were transferred without Greek approval to the
British Museum in London. The Greek government has been demanding their return,
without success.
Lately, air-pollution is
badly eroding what's left of the buildings.
Other
tips & insights
Acropolis
means "high city", referring to a hilltop location. Some communities in Greece
have an acropolis, too. The best known of those is the Lindos Acropolis in the Greek
Islands. However, the one in Athens is so famous that when you say "Acropolis"
by itself, most people assume you are talking about the Athenian version.
The
Acropolis offers stunning views of Athens, Greece. One of the best viewpoints is
near the Nike Temple.
If
you're visiting Greece in the summer, I strongly recommend you arrive at the
Acropolis when its gates open (8 a.m.) or in the late afternoon. This should
significantly enhance your experience. Midday is not only blistering hot, the
site crawls with two-legged ants (tourists).
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in Greece
 
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phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
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cuisine guide
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