Explore the iconic Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon and its surrounding slopes with this entrance ticket, now enhanced with an informative audio guide. Marvel at the ancient structures that have stood the test of time, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Discover the historical significance and architectural brilliance of these Classical period monuments, and immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual heritage of ancient Greece, guided by detailed audio commentary.
- The Parthenon: The most famous Doric temple of ancient Greece, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, and renowned for its architectural perfection. Listen to fascinating insights about its history and design with the audio guide.
- The Erechtheion: A unique Ionic temple with the famous Caryatids, dedicated to multiple deities including Athena and Poseidon, with audio explanations of its asymmetrical design.
- The Propylaea: The grand entrance to the Acropolis, designed by architect Mnesikles, showcasing the grandeur of Athenian architecture, enhanced by audio descriptions of its construction and significance.
- The Temple of Athena Nike: A small but elegant Ionic temple dedicated to the goddess of victory, with friezes depicting historical battles, accompanied by detailed audio commentary.
- South Slope Monuments: Includes the Theatre of Dionysus, the Sanctuary of Asclepios, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, with the audio guide providing context for their cultural and historical importance.
- North Slope Sanctuaries: Explore sacred caves and sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo, Zeus, and Pan, along with the Klepsydra spring, enriched by audio narratives that bring these ancient sites to life.
The Acropolis of Athens, perched on a rocky hill 157 meters above the city, is one of the most significant historical sites in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the most iconic symbols of ancient Greek civilization, with structures that date back to the Classical period of the 5th century BC. The monuments on the Acropolis were primarily built under the leadership of Pericles, during a time when Athens was the cultural and political epicenter of the ancient world.
The Parthenon stands as the crowning achievement of ancient Greek architecture. This Doric temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, embodies the ideals of harmony and proportion. Constructed between 447 and 432 BC, its sculptural decorations, crafted by the master sculptor Phidias, include detailed friezes, metopes, and pediments depicting mythological scenes and the grandeur of Athenian society. With the audio guide, you’ll gain deeper insights into the artistry and historical significance of these features.
The Erechtheion, situated to the north of the Parthenon, is a remarkable example of Ionic architecture. It is unique in its asymmetrical design, a result of the uneven terrain and the need to house multiple sacred sites. The most famous feature of the Erechtheion is the Porch of the Caryatids, where six elegantly draped female figures support the roof, overlooking the ancient city of Athens. The audio guide will explain the religious and cultural importance of this unique structure.
As you enter the Acropolis, you’ll pass through the Propylaea, the grand gateway to the sacred area. Built between 437 and 432 BC, this monumental entrance was designed by the architect Mnesikles and features a central hall flanked by two wings. To the south of the Propylaea stands the Temple of Athena Nike, a small but beautifully proportioned Ionic temple, dedicated to the goddess of victory. This temple was completed around 424 BC and is famous for its frieze depicting battles between the Greeks and Persians. The audio guide will provide detailed descriptions of these historical depictions.
The slopes of the Acropolis are equally rich in historical significance. The South Slope is home to the Theatre of Dionysus, the cradle of Greek tragedy, where the works of playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides were first performed. Nearby, the Sanctuary of Asclepios served as a healing center, while the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman-era theatre, still hosts performances today. The audio guide offers rich background information on these cultural landmarks.
On the North Slope, you’ll find ancient sanctuaries dedicated to gods such as Apollo, Zeus, and Pan. The Klepsydra spring and several sacred caves dot this area, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the Acropolis. The audio guide brings to life the legends and religious practices associated with these sacred spaces.
The Acropolis is not just a collection of ruins; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Greece. Each monument tells a story of the city’s glorious past, its cultural achievements, and its deep spiritual traditions. A visit to the Acropolis, guided by the informative audio commentary, offers a profound connection to the history of Western civilization and the enduring ideals of democracy, art, and philosophy.
- Acropolis and Slopes Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket
- Audio guide in English and German
Timed entry tickets are required for all visitors
We would like to inform you that starting April 1st, 2024, all visitors must enter during their selected time slot. Each ticket is valid for entry from 15 minutes before until 15 minutes after your selected time. For example, if your time slot is 12:00, you can enter anytime between 12:00 and 13:00. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your selected time slot to ensure a smooth entry process.
Regarding the Athens Saver Combo ticket, the mandatory selection of the date and time of visit only applies to the Acropolis & Slopes. Within 5 days you can visit the rest of the Archaeological Sites.
- Please ensure your smartphone is fully charged and that you have your headphones with you.
- Kindly download the audio guide onto your phone in advance.
Hours
From 1st of April until 31 of August 08:00 - 20:00
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 - 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 - 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 - 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 - 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30
Location
The Acropolis rock, with its characteristic trapezoidal shape, dominates the city of Athens, at an altitude of 157m. above the sea-level and at a distance of 4,70kms from the coast of Attica. In a naturally fortified and inaccessible site, the hill oversees the Attic plain to the sea.
The archaeological site of the Acropolis and its Slopes is bordered at its southern part by the pedestrian of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, at the east and north by the neighborhoods of Anaphiotika and Plaka, the Archaeological site of the Areopagos hill and the Ancient Agora [Thrasyllou, Stratonos and Theoria streets] and at the west by the Odeion of Herodes Atticus. The main entrance of the archaeological site is at the West Slope, close to Theorias street. The South Slope of the Acropolis, at the junction of Thrasyllou str. and the pedestrian Dionysiou Areoparitou, also forms not only a main but an alternative entrance to the archaeological site, nearby to the Acropolis Museum.
Access to the archaeological site
METRO
- Line 1 [Green]: Subway station “THESEIO” [Μ1]
- Line 2 [Red]: Subway station “ACROPOLI” [Μ2]
- Line 3 [Blue]: Subway station “MONASTIRAKI” [Μ3]
BUSES
227, 230, 856, A2, A3
TRAM
T6
TROLLEY
1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 15
Take notice
1. We recommend you to wear sports footwear, hat, etc.
2. The visitor to the Acropolis Archaeological Site who wishes to visit the South Slope of the Acropolis is informed of the following:
After exiting the Beule Gate, special signage guides the visitor to proceed to the south, and following the path at his/her left, will take him/her to the South Exit of the Acropolis Archaeological Site - the entrance to the South Slope.
The ticket “Acropolis and Slopes” is used only once and in case of exit from either the Acropolis Site or the South Slope, the visitor cannot re-enter with the same ticket.
3. Visitors and guides are kindly requested:
Α] to follow the signs, walk along marked routes, avoid entering restricted areas and
Β] to be very careful whilst being near areas of high risk.
- Non-refundable
2024 MegaPass by
I ordered the tickets by mistake for 31.10, although I need to make my visit on 30.10, since I am leaving Athen today. I wrote a letter to the service desk and got very quickly reply with modified tickets! Really great! Thank you very much for your kindness, quick and effective response!
Athen, havde bestilt billetter til a Akropolis. Vi var meget tilfredse. Var i staten usikre på om billetterne kom, men det gjorde de dagen før om eftermiddagen.