Acropolis – An Ancient Temple Above Athens

Situated on a rocky outcrop above Athens, the Acropolis is a beautiful ruined temple complex from 5th Century BC. It’s quite a sizable location with plenty of unique and intriguing constructs to see. So, to make your trip a little easier, here’s a breakdown of all the sights that the Acropolis has to offer.

The Parthenon

This temple dedicated to Athena, patron of the city, is probably the highlight of sights in the Acropolis. Built during 447 and 438 BC, this Doric temple remained, relatively, unaltered until about 5th Century AD where it was converted into a Church and then later into a Mosque when the Turkish ruled. You’re sure to be awed by this impressive monument, one that exudes an elegant aura in its construction, fitting for the goddess for whom it was built.

Erechtheion

Built between 421 and 406 BC, the Erechtheion, named after the mythical king of Athens, Erechtheus, replaced an earlier temple dedicated to Athena. If you want to see the most famous part of this structure then head to the northern side of the building where you’ll find a porch held up by six caryatids

The Propylaia

On the western part of the rocky outcrop lies the Propylaia, gates built upon the site where a Mycenaean fortification once stood. The first propylon was constructed during the age of Peisistratos after the Acropolis had become a sanctuary to Athena. The gates served as a check-in point to keep unwanted people out.

The Temple of Athena Nike

Built during 426 and 421 BC and constructed by Kallikrates, the Temple of Athena Nike stands as a proud remnant of a distant time, built to replace earlier temples that were also dedicated to Athena Nike. You can admire this classical temple in the southeastern part of the complex.

Old Temple of Athena

This archaic monument, built in 6th Century BC, was located between the Parthenon and Erechthion. However, in 480 BC, it was destroyed by the Persians. 

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus 

Built at the foot of the Acropolis by Herodes Atticus in 161 AD, this historic stone theatre now hosts a variety of musical performances and cultural events throughout the year since its restoration. It was built in memory of Atticus’s wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.

While this piece covers a few of the fascinating structures you’ll find with the Acropolis, there’s still much more to see, things like the Temple of Rome and Augustus, the Beule Gate, the Brauronion and such. The Acropolis is closed for only a few days a year so you can take a trip to this ancient site anytime.