Map of Acropolis of Athens

Description: This map shows ancient buildings, streets, trails, buildings, public toilets, viewpoints, caves, churches, information points, tourist attractions, and sightseeings in Acropolis of Athens.

Description: This map shows ancient buildings, points of interest, and sightseeings in Acropolis of Athens.

About Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, Greece. Standing approximately 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance. The word "acropolis" derives from the Greek words "akron" (highest point) and "polis" (city). The site has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, with major construction occurring during the 5th century BCE under the leadership of Pericles.

The most prominent structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron deity. Constructed between 447 and 432 BCE, the Parthenon was designed by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with sculptor Phidias overseeing its elaborate decorative program. The temple originally housed a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena Parthenos. Built primarily of Pentelic marble, the structure exemplifies the Doric order and represents the pinnacle of Classical Greek architecture.

The Erechtheion, completed in 406 BCE, is another significant temple on the Acropolis's north side. This structure is famous for its Porch of the Caryatids, featuring six draped female figures serving as architectural supports. The temple was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, commemorating their mythological contest for patronage of Athens. The Temple of Athena Nike, a small Ionic temple built around 420 BCE, stands on a bastion at the entrance to the Acropolis and celebrates Athenian military victories.

The Propylaea serves as the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, designed by architect Mnesicles and constructed between 437 and 432 BCE. This structure features a central building with two wings and originally contained paintings, functioning as an ancient picture gallery. At the southern slope of the Acropolis sits the Theatre of Dionysus, considered the birthplace of Greek drama, where works by playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were first performed. The nearby Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in 161 CE, remains in use for performances today.

Throughout its history, the Acropolis has suffered significant damage from warfare, natural disasters, and pollution. The Parthenon was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century CE and later into a mosque during Ottoman rule. A catastrophic explosion in 1687 severely damaged the structure when Venetian forces bombarded an Ottoman ammunition depot housed within. Ongoing restoration efforts, initiated in 1975, continue to preserve and stabilize the monuments using modern conservation techniques while maintaining historical authenticity.