Acropolis, Athens in Greece

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Athens
The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis of Athens
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
odysseus.culture.gr

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1987
Size of heritage: 3.04 ha
- Buffer zone: 117 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 23,726°
Latitude: 37,971°

Summary

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.

Location on Map

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Acropolis, Athens: A Timeless Symbol of Ancient Greece

The Acropolis, located in the heart of Athens, Greece, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of ancient Greece. Perched on a rocky hilltop, the Acropolis is a collection of ancient ruins that includes the iconic Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Ancient History and Significance

The history of the Acropolis dates back to the 5th century BCE when it was built as a fortified citadel to protect the city of Athens. It became the center of religious and cultural life, housing temples dedicated to the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece. The most famous of these is the Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens.

The Acropolis played a crucial role in the development of Western civilization. It was a hub of intellectual and artistic achievements, with renowned philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle gathering there to exchange ideas. The architectural marvels of the Acropolis, characterized by their harmonious proportions and intricate sculptures, influenced generations of architects and artists.

Current State and Preservation Efforts

Today, the Acropolis remains an iconic symbol of Greece and attracts millions of visitors each year. However, the passage of time and various historical events have taken their toll on the site. Pollution, weathering, and human activities have caused significant damage to the ancient structures.

In response to these threats, extensive preservation and restoration efforts have been undertaken. The Acropolis Restoration Project, initiated in the 1970s, aims to repair and conserve the ancient monuments using the most advanced techniques and materials. The project has successfully restored several key structures, including the Parthenon, restoring them to their former glory.

The Acropolis Museum, located nearby, serves as a repository for the artifacts found on the site. It showcases a vast collection of sculptures, friezes, and other archaeological treasures, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the Acropolis and its historical context.

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
Viktoros Ougko 31
10437 Athens
Greece

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Parthenon Wikipedia travel guide video. Created by http://stupeflix.com

Published: March 25, 2010
Length: 12:14 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: wikistupeflixtravel

Create your own video on http://studio.stupeflix.com/?w=1 ! The Parthenon seen from the hill of the Pnyx to the west. The Parthenon from the south. In the foreground of the image, a reconstruction...

Athens - a city you will never forget

Published: August 06, 2009
Length: 46:34 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: fotisps

http://www.nswohnung.eu.

Griechenland I Acropolis Athen HD+

Published: July 05, 2014
Length: 06:18 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: City I Was geht

Griechenland I Akropolis by City I Was geht Story;) Die Akropolis gehört zu den Weltwunder der Antike (z.b. Sphinx, Pyramiden, Leuchtturm von Alexandria usw.). Sie steht auf einem Felsen...

Everymatic

Published: March 30, 2015
Length: 42:35 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Everymatic

http://www.everymatic.com Our Athens Bespoke holidays in Greece Want to experience Greece as a local? Look no further. No online forms or pre-arranged tour packages. From the moment you...

SkyVidz [Full HD 1080]

Published: June 23, 2014
Length: 43:13 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: SkyVidz

Filming Locations: Porto Koufo Aegean Sea | Agios Efstratios Northern Aegean | Limnos Aegean Sea with Zenmuse H3-3D Gimbal DJI Phantom 2 , Gopro HERO3+ Black Edition, iPad Ground Station ...

Vacation Greece: Parthenon - Acropolis - HD

Published: April 18, 2015
Length: 01:36 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Ricardo Silva

Vacation Idea: The Parthenon or Acropolis in Athens is considered the main touristic attraction in Greece. even though you still have planty of amazing places to go in Greece. The whole place...

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