The Acropolis of Athens
Acropolis of Athens · Athens, Greece
Sunrise over the Parthenon, where Western civilisation caught its first light
Know before you go
- Don't climb or touch the ancient stones
- don't eat, drink or smoke on the site
- stay neutral and polite on the subject of returning the marbles.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Pericles' Acropolis
In the golden age of 5th-century BC Athens, Pericles used the treasury of the Delian League to fund the building of the Acropolis complex. The Parthenon was begun in 447 BC and largely completed in 438 BC, with decoration continuing until 432 BC; the whole project was supervised by Phidias, whose own gold-and-ivory statue of Athena stood in the temple's inner chamber. More than two thousand years later, in 1687, a Venetian army bombarded the Acropolis, and gunpowder the Ottomans had stored in the temple was hit and exploded, badly damaging the temple and leaving it roughly as it is today.
Source: Wikipedia: Parthenon; Wikipedia: Pericles; Wikipedia: Athens
Legend
Athena and Poseidon compete for Athens
In myth, Athena, goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, god of the sea, competed to be the city's protector. According to the ancient geographer Pausanias, the sculptures of the Parthenon's west pediment depicted this contest; the area of the neighbouring Erechtheion is said to have held Athena's sacred olive tree, and the temple honoured both Athena and Poseidon.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Masterpieces of the 5th-century BC age of Pericles: the Parthenon and the Caryatid porch of the Erechtheion freeze the reason and beauty of ancient Greece. Two and a half millennia of war and plunder (the dispute over the 'Elgin Marbles' in the British Museum continues) have not dimmed its brilliance. Standing on the summit, all Athens spreads at your feet, the Aegean breeze passes through the columns, and you can almost hear the debates of Socrates' day.
Local customs
- Greeks are warm and hospitable — 'filoxenia' (hospitality) is an ancient virtue
- many sights require timed booking
- there's an afternoon siesta tradition, and some small shops close at midday.
Religion & beliefs
- An ancient Greek polytheistic site, today an archaeological shrine rather than a religious place
- but Greece is an Orthodox country, so dress modestly to visit monasteries and churches — women may need a wrap skirt (often provided at the entrance).
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Greece: don't photograph military installations
- Put your camera away when you see military-zone signs
- Approaching or photographing military installations, vehicles and buildings
It is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice
Greece: drunken rowdiness and indecent behaviour lead to arrest
- Behave appropriately in public
- Drunken rowdiness and indecent exposure
- Wearing costumes that may be seen as offensive
Police will arrest you, and courts usually impose heavy fines or prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice
Greece: no fires, no barbecues
- Follow fire warnings when hiking
- Lighting fires or barbecuing in the countryside
Starting a wildfire is a criminal offence, even if unintentional.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't climb or touch the ancient stones
- don't eat, drink or smoke on the site
- stay neutral and polite on the subject of returning the marbles.
Locals appreciate DO
- Greeks appreciate visitors who love history and are willing to slow down over a Greek coffee (ellinikos)
- learning to say 'efharisto' (thank you) earns you a radiant smile.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | April–June and September–October are best — avoid the midday sun |
|---|
Travel tips
- April–June and September–October are best — avoid the midday sun. Entry is by timed booking, and the combined ticket covers the Acropolis and several sites below — book on the official website in advance
- going in when it opens at 8 a.m. gives good light and few people
- the Acropolis Museum below deserves another two hours.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Souvlaki
- Moussaka
- Greek salad
Souvlaki (grilled-meat wraps), moussaka (baked aubergine with meat sauce), horiatiki (Greek salad), pita with tzatziki (yoghurt-cucumber dip), honey yoghurt / loukoumades (honey doughnuts)
| Where to eat | Old-town restaurants in Plaka, grill houses around Monastiraki flea market, the Acropolis Museum café |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Dress modestly at Orthodox monasteries and churches |
| Typical price per person | EUR 15–28 ≈ CNY 125–232 |
| Tips | Plaka's main street has a view premium — go one lane in for more local places; a late lunch (2 p.m.) is the local rhythm. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Miyagawa · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ggia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Jebulon · CC0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Greek Ministry of Culture e-ticketing information
