The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Through Time
Part I: The Sacred Rock of the Acropolis
South Slope of the Acropolis
Discover the birthplace of theatre and healing.
Don't miss the Theatre of Dionysus.
Don't miss the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Don't miss the Stoa of Eumenes.
Don't miss the Sanctuary of Asclepius.
Hidden Gem: Stand near the first rows of the Theatre of Dionysus and imagine watching Sophocles or Euripides premiere their tragedies over 2,400 years ago.
Propylaea
Enter through the monumental gateway designed by Mnesicles.
Highlight: Notice the transition from the busy modern city to the sacred sanctuary.
Hidden Gem: Look for the subtle change in marble tones - Pentelic marble develops a warm honey color after centuries of exposure.
Temple of Athena Nike
Admire this small but elegant temple.
Highlight: See its dedication to Athena as the goddess of victory.
Hidden Gem: Look for the famous relief "Nike Adjusting Her Sandal," a masterpiece of Classical sculpture (the original is in the Acropolis Museum).
The Parthenon
Explore the masterpiece of Classical architecture.
Highlight the optical refinements.
Highlight the Doric architecture.
Highlight the story of Athena and Poseidon.
Highlight the construction under Pericles.
Highlight its role as treasury, church, mosque, and monument.
Hidden Gem: Stand near the northeast corner for one of the best panoramic views over Mount Lycabettus and modern Athens.
Erechtheion
Visit the most sacred temple on the Acropolis.
Highlight the Caryatids.
Highlight the olive tree of Athena.
Highlight the marks of Poseidon's trident.
Highlight the tomb of King Erechtheus.
Hidden Gem: Visit the often-overlooked north porch, where mythology places Poseidon's strike with his trident.
Panoramic View
From the Acropolis, identify the Ancient Agora.
From the Acropolis, identify the Roman Agora.
From the Acropolis, identify the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
From the Acropolis, identify Philopappos Hill.
From the Acropolis, identify the Pnyx.
From the Acropolis, identify Lycabettus Hill.
From the Acropolis, identify the Saronic Gulf.
Part II: The Acropolis Museum
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Ground Floor
Highlight the Slopes of the Acropolis.
Highlight daily life.
Highlight sanctuary finds.
Hidden Gem: Walk over the glass floors to see archaeological excavations beneath the museum.
Archaic Gallery
Highlight the Moschophoros.
Highlight the Peplos Kore.
Highlight the Rampin Horseman.
Hidden Gem: Look closely for traces of original paint on several sculptures.
Caryatids Gallery
Visit one of the museum's masterpieces.
Hidden Gem: Walk around all six statues - they were sculpted to be viewed from every angle, including the detailed braids flowing down their backs.
Parthenon Gallery
Highlight the continuous frieze.
Highlight the pedimental sculptures.
Highlight the metopes.
Hidden Gem: Notice that the gallery is oriented exactly like the Parthenon, helping you understand the original placement of the sculptures.
Museum Terrace - Stop for excellent coffee.
Hidden Gem: Enjoy one of Athens' best unobstructed views of the Acropolis.
