Pinsteps. The main entrance to the Acropolis
Places to visit in Athens. Languages: en

The Acropolis of Athens, a naturally fortified hill, has been inhabited since the Neolithic era in the 13th century BC. During the Mycenaean period, the mountain was fortified and became the seat of the local ruler in the 6th century BC. As the most important sanctuary of the city, primarily dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Acropolis was adorned with the first monumental temples and other buildings, as well as numerous votive offerings such as marble statues of Korai and horse riders and an abundance of clay and metal vases and figurines. Building construction and votive offerings continued until the Roman period.

The most prominent buildings on the Acropolis today, including the Sacred Rock, the monumental Propylaia, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, were erected in the 5th century BC under the leadership of Pericles, the inspired political leader who made Athens a dominant power among the Greeks. These monuments, erected as part of Pericles' building program, perfectly adapt architectural styles to the natural environment and symbolise the political, economic, and artistic peak of Athenian democracy.

The history of the Athenian Acropolis extends beyond antiquity, with its monuments undergoing many transformations over time, including during the prevalence of Christianity, as well as during Frankish and Ottoman rule.


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
Routes
List of routes including this place
Evgeny Praisman
Athens: walking through history. My trip to Athens on Feb 11, 2023

A walking trip through the streets of Athens can be a fantastic way to dive into the rich history of this ancient city. Here is a trial that explores some of the most exciting sites in Athens:

  1. Start at Athina Avenue and head towards Monastiraki Street. This lively street is lined with shops and street vendors selling various goods, including souvenirs, clothing, and jewellery.

  2. Take a stroll down the lane and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. From Monastiraki Street, continue to the Plaka neighbourhood, one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in Athens. The Plaka is known for its narrow, winding streets, picturesque houses, and traditional Greek tavernas. Visit the old house of the Venizelos family, a historic building once the home of the famous Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos.

  3. From the Plaka, head up to the Anafiotika district, a charming neighbourhood built on the slopes of the Acropolis. Here you can visit some of the most delicious restaurants in Athens, offering traditional Greek cuisine and breathtaking views of the city.

  4. After exploring the Anafiotika district, make your way to the southern slope of the Acropolis, where you can see the ruins of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus.

  5. End your walking trip by visiting the Areopagus and Pnyx Hills, two historic sites located just outside the city centre. The Areopagus Hill was once a seat of the judicial court in ancient Athens and is also associated with the spread of Christianity into Greece. Pnyx Hill was the location of the assembly of the people, where citizens gathered to discuss and vote on important political matters. From these two hills, you will see breathtaking views of the city in the sunset and gain a deeper understanding of its rich history and cultural heritage.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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