What is the Acropolis?
The Acropolis is a rocky outcrop that sits above Athens. There is evidence that people lived and/or worshipped on the rock from the 6th millenium BC but many of the famous remains that we see today (the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike) were constructed 460-406 BC. The Parthenon and the other buildings were seriously damaged during the 1687 siege by the Venetians when gunpowder being stored in the Parthenon was hit by a cannonball and exploded.
What's the Acropolis like?
The Acropolis is stupendous. The sheer size of each of the pillars in the Parthenon is mind-blowing when you consider how many pillars there are. Athens is also a fantastic city to visit and I highly recommend it.
Where is the Acropolis?
Athens, Greece
When did we go to the Acropolis?
October 2020
How did we get there?
I flew to Athens and stayed for two nights, giving myself a whole day to see the main sights. The Acropolis is very much part of the city and only a short walk from the centre. I walked up early (it opens at 8am) to beat the crowds - it was lovely and quiet but I was still surrounded by a coach party.
Worth noting:
A modern new Acropolis Museum was opened in 2009 and is located a few minutes' walk from the main entrance to the Acropolis. It contains a lot of the sculptures from the site and is well worth a visit.
What was the Acropolis's position in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?
28. It moved up one place.
Does the Acropolis deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet top 500?
Definitely - I'd put it higher up.
