Point of interest
Acropolis & Parthenon
in Athens, Greece
The iconic 2,500-year-old citadel crowning the city, with the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike; book a timed ticket in advance to beat the queues.
Where it is
On the rocky citadel hill that towers over central Athens, above the Plaka and Monastiraki districts.
Address: Παναθηναίων, 105 55 Athens
What it is
Alongside the Parthenon, the plateau holds the Propylaia (monumental gateway), the small Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its famous Porch of the Caryatids. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds; the summit gives a sweeping view over the whole city to the sea.
History
The Acropolis as we see it dates from the 5th century BC, the golden age of Athens under Pericles. The Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to Athena, was built between 447 and 432 BC by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.