It is the most important and majestic sanctuary of the ancient city, dedicated mainly to its patron goddess, Athena. The sacred rock was first inhabited by the Pelasgians during the Stone Age; then, in Mycenaean times, it evolved into a small city – state, fortified by strong perimeter walls for its protection. In 1200 A.D. the construction of the most sacred buildings started at the top of the rock, including the Propylaea, Athena’s temple or temple of Apteros Nike (wing-less victory) and the Erechtheion. During Pericles’ leadership, some world-known buildings of admirable architecture were built under Phidias’ supervision.
The Parthenon, the most significant of the Acropolis buildings, was designed and supervised in its construction by Ictinus and Kallikrates (probably based on Phidias’ designs). The Propylaea and the Erechtheion with the Caryatids were designed and supervised in their construction by Mnesikles. The Temple of Apteros Nike was designed by Kallikrates. During the same period, the theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Pericles and the sanctuary of Asklepios were built. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built much later.
Open: daily (Winter) 8am-5pm / (Summer) 8am-8:00pm
Admission: There is a single ticket that costs €20 just for the Acropolis and the Theatre of Dionyssos. There is also a combined ticket of €30 also which allows
you to visit the Keramikos, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora & the Roman Forum within a week