The Acropolis Archaelogical Grounds

The Acropolis Hill, otherwise known as ‘The Sacred Rock’

The Parthenon and other main buildings on the Acropolis were built by Pericles in the fifth century BC as a monument to the cultural and political achievements of the inhabitants of Athens. Built on a limestone hill that rises about 150 m (about 450 ft) above sea level, the Acropolis dominates the city of Athens. It houses the remains of the Parthenon and a number of other temples. The term 'acropolis' means 'the city's edge' or 'upper city' and many of the city states of ancient and medieval times are built around an acropolis where the inhabitants could go as a place of refuge in times of invasion.  The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena (marble korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases) indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess ("Athena Polias") was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C)

It is worth noticing that an immense project for preserving, re-assembling and presentation of the monuments is in progress. Thanks to high technology equipment, the exact measurement of the dimensions of the various architectural members of the monument has made it possible for a more correct reassembling of the Parthenon marble pieces and the identification of a great number of marble fragments from the debris scattered on the Rock. The site, though, is visitable and as grandiose as ever. For details please visit our "The Acropolis Old Archaeological Museum" Photo Album.

Operating Hours Are as Follows:

Summer: Daily 0800-1900

Winter: Daily 0830-1500

Telephone Contact: +30-210 32 14 172, +30 210 32 10 219, +30 210 92 38 724 

Fax: +30-210 92 39 023 

Address: Athens , Attica