Parthenon – the most important surviving building of Classical Greece
The Acropolis sits apart from Athens itself on a large hill covered in rocks and the ruins of many ancient Greek temples, including the more well known Parthenon which dates back to 438 BCE dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.
The word Acropolis in Greek literally means “high city” and as such there are many scattered across the islands which make up Greece.
Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens, Greece
The Parthenon is a very popular destination for visitors to Athens, and is often one of the most sought after adventures for those who only have a day or two in the city to explore, such as cruise ship passengers. That means it can get fairly busy with organized tours and private groups alike, but if you choose your visiting time carefully you can often get a much more peaceful and laid back experience.
Walking tours of the Acropolis are available, after a bus ride to the bottom of the hill, and no matter how you choose to get there or who you go with you will definitely be in for a long walk uphill. Closer to the top is another obstacle for older visitors: 80 narrow steps that at times can get quite slippery, so keep that in mind if you or your companions will have trouble with it.
On your journey upward you will also pass by an ancient theatre named the Odeon of Herodes, and the Acropolis Museum at the base which, in my opinion, is best left until after you have toured the whole site yourself first.
Related: What to visit in Greece
Photo by KiloMeater.
