Acropolis

The Acropolis is the name of the hill on which ancient Athens was founded. When the first inhabitants left the top and moved to the foothills of the Acropolis, temples and sanctuaries were erected. The most famous of all is the Parthenon temple, dedicated to goddess Athena – the patron goddess of Athens city.

There are two entrances to the Acropolis rock: the main one which is in the west and the side entrance (known as Dionysus Theater entrance), which is located in the south-east. Using the Dionysus Theater entrance you have the opportunity to see the Dionysus Theater –the oldest and most important theatre in Europe, the Thrasylus sponsor’s monument, the Eumenes Stoa, and the Asclepius Sanctuary – the first hospital in the world!

From here, you continue your way to the top passing from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This is an ancient amphitheatre that is still in use for musical and theatre performances in the summer. Do not miss a photo opportunity here. The view is stunning!

As you continue upwards, you arrive at the so-called Propylaea, the impressive marble main entrance gates to the monuments of the Acropolis. Apart from the Parthenon, you will see other temples too such as the Erechteion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Sanctuary of Artemis. Do not miss the beautiful Caryatids at the Erechteion temple. These sculpted female figures serving as columns supporting the temple and are considered ancient masterpieces.  

Your entrance ticket to the Acropolis includes all the monuments on top of the rock and its slopes. There are also combination tickets available including the Ancient Agora of Athens, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora of Athens and the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos.

To make the most out of your visit to the Acropolis, we recommend our Private Family Guided Tour to the Acropolis. This tour takes you along the famous monuments of the Acropolis and its foothills. Travel with your kids back in time and explore the Acropolis in and engaging and storytelling way.

We have also designed Mythology Tours in the Acropolis inspired by Percy Jackson. There are private and small group options. Click here for more information: Mythology Tours inspired by Percy Jackson.

If you want to take your family visit to the Acropolis to a different level, have a look at our Acropolis 3D app. A new guiding tool for families opening a virtual window to the history of ancient Athens.