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Archaeological site · Atenas, Ática
Acrópole de Atenas (Akropoli)
The sacred hill of Athens, with the Partenon, the Erecteion, the Propileus and the Templo de Atena Nike on top, and the Teatro de Dioniso and the Odeon of Herodes Ático on the south slope. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Acrópole de Atenas (Akropoli)
The Acrópole (Akropoli, in Greek) is the rock about 150 meters high that overlooks the center of Athens. The temples up top were built in the 5th century BC, under Pericles' government, after the Persians destroyed the earlier ones. The Partenon, temple of Atena Partenos, was erected between 447 and 432 BC by the architects Ictino and Calícrates, with sculptures overseen by Fídias. It is made of marble from Mount Pentélico and has eight Doric columns at the front and seventeen on each side.
Beside it stands the Erecteion, the irregularly planned temple with the Porch of the Caryatids, the six statues of women that serve as columns; those in place are copies, and five originals are in the Museu da Acrópole. The entrance to the rock is through the Propileus, the monumental gate, with the small Templo de Atena Nike to the right as you ascend. From the edge of the plateau you can see the whole city, the Licabeto and, on clear days, the sea of the Saronic Gulf.
The south slope has two theaters. The Teatro de Dioniso, where the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides were staged, is in ruins and is included with the same ticket. The Odeon of Herodes Ático, from the 2nd century AD, was rebuilt and hosts concerts for the Athens summer festival; you can only enter it with a show ticket.
The site operates with timed-entry tickets and has a visitor limit per hour. There are two entrances: the main one, to the west, near the Colina de Filopapo, and the south slope entrance, beside the Teatro de Dioniso and the Museu da Acrópole. The ground is worn rock and marble, slippery, and there is no shade at the top. Restoration of the temples is ongoing, and it is common to see scaffolding in some areas.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one and a half to two and a half hours, including the climb and the south slope. Add the time spent in the timed-entry queue.
Best time
The earliest morning hour, before the tour groups, or the last two hours before closing, when the light is lower. Between June and September avoid midday: there is no shade and temperatures exceed 35 °C. On heatwave days the site may close in the afternoon. In winter it closes earlier. Closed on some public holidays; check ahead.
How to get there
Metro line 2, Akropoli station, a 5-minute walk from the south slope entrance. From Syntagma square it's 15 minutes on foot via Plaka. The main entrance is at the end of the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areopagitou, near Thissio (metro line 1).
Tip
Buy a timed-entry ticket through the official Ministry of Culture platform days in advance in high season. Enter via the south slope to see the theaters as you climb and exit through the main entrance facing the Agora. Bring water, a hat and rubber-soled shoes. Large backpacks and tripods are not allowed.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Acrópole de Atenas (Akropoli)
en: What is included in the Acrópole ticket?
The rock with the Partenon, the Erecteion, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike, plus the south slope with the Theatre of Dionysus. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus only opens on performance days. The Museu da Acrópole has a separate ticket.
en: Can I enter the Partenon?
No. The temples are viewed from the outside, along a path that surrounds them. The interior of the Partenon is under permanent restoration and is never opened to the public.
How long does the climb take?
From the south slope entrance to the top it’s about a 20‑minute walk along ramps and steps, with stops at the theatres. From the main entrance, about 10 minutes.
en: Does the Acrópole close because of heat?
It can close during the hottest hours on heatwave days by decision of the Ministry of Culture, usually between midday and late afternoon. When that happens, tickets for the affected time slots are rescheduled. Check the notice on the day.