Acropolis athens panorama

Panoramic view of the Acropolis of Athens, the most emblematic archaeological site of Ancient Greece, crowned by the Parthenon.

About this subject

The Acropolis of Athens is a complex of temples and public buildings built on a rocky hill in the center of the Greek capital. Its name means 'high city' and dates back to the Mycenaean period, around 1200 BC, when it served as a royal fortress. The golden age of construction occurred in the 5th century BC under Pericles, as part of a beautification program after the Persian Wars.

The most famous monument is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, built between 447 and 438 BC by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with sculptures by Phidias. Other notable structures include the Erechtheion, famous for its Caryatids, the Propylaea (monumental gateway), and the Temple of Athena Nike. The ensemble is a landmark of classical architecture and has influenced Western styles for centuries.

In 1987, the Acropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has suffered damage over the centuries, including explosions during the Venetian siege of 1687 and modern pollution. Since 1975, an intensive restoration program has aimed to preserve its structures, using techniques that include new marble and reassembly of original blocks. The site receives over 3 million visitors annually.

A little-known fact is that the Parthenon has no straight lines: its columns have a slight inward inclination (entasis) and the floor is slightly curved, optical corrections to appear perfect to the human eye. The Acropolis also houses the Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, which displays over 4,000 artifacts found at the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the name 'Acropolis'?

Acropolis comes from Greek 'akros' (high) and 'polis' (city), meaning 'high city'. It was originally a natural fortress used for defense.

To which deity was the Parthenon built?

The Parthenon was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the virgin goddess of wisdom and warfare, patroness of Athens.

How many visitors does the Acropolis receive per year?

The Acropolis of Athens receives about 3 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world.