Acropolis

If you’re traveling to Greece on vacation, you simply must visit the Acropolis in Athens. Acropolis is a Greek term meaning high city, and once you visit, you’ll see why. Previously called Cecropia, the Acropolis is more than 500 feet above sea level. There are other structures in the world that could be called an acropolis, but the one in Athens is definitely known as The Acropolis!

The flat rock that makes up the Acropolis is a combination of limestone and sandstone. You can access it on foot in the west where it is connected by a ridge to the Areopagus hill. This remarkable high city is one of the most beloved landmarks in the world and a standing symbol of Greece that no tourist should miss.

The Acropolis dates all the way back to the year 5 BC. This is hard to fathom until you’re actually there, walking on stone that’s supported its visitors for ages upon ages. When you visit the Acropolis, you’ll see the Acropolis Museum as well as a variety of sacred monuments and buildings that have stood in some form or another throughout the life span of this awe-inspiring stone creation.

The Parthenon is definitely the must-see of the Acropolis and it’s most recognizable feature. This building is pure marble and used to hold a statue of the goddess Athena, as it is a monument to her. Then there’s the Erechtheion, a temple created to pay homage to both Athena and Poseidon, a Greek god that ruled the seas. The temple is built on the legendary site of the mythical duel between Athena and Poseidon.

Acropolis Hill is open from 8 am to 7 pm during the summer, and 830 to 3 pm in the winter. It costs 12 euro (approximately 11.67 in US dollars) to gain admittance. Students, children and senior citizens are allowed admittance for a lower rate of 6 euro.