Acropolis of Athens: Tickets

Acropolis of Athens FAQ’s‍

1. What is the difference between the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon?

• The Parthenon is one of the buildings on the Acropolis of Athens.

2. What is the Acropolis of Athens?

• The Acropolis of Athens is an archeaological site in Athens with the remains of several historical buildings.

3. What does Parthenon mean?

• Parthenon comes from the Greek word ‘parthenos’ which means virgin and the word Parthenon means Virgin’s Chamber.

4. Who built the Acropolis of Athens?

• The Acropolis of Athens was designed by Ictinus and Callicrates according to sources and the sculpture side was managed by Pheidias.

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Acropolis of Athens Interesting Facts

• Ancient Origins: The Acropolis dates back to the Neolithic period (around 4000 BC), but its most famous structures were built much later, during the 5th century BC under the leadership of Pericles.
• Meaning of "Acropolis": The word "Acropolis" comes from the Greek words "akron" (highest point) and "polis" (city), meaning "high city." It was a fortified part of the city.
• Home of the Parthenon: The most famous structure on the Acropolis is probably the Parthenon, which is a temple that was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patroness of Athens.
• Sacred Olive Tree: According to legend, the original olive tree on the Acropolis was a gift from Athena, and it symbolises peace and prosperity for the city. A descendant of this tree still grows on the site today!
• The Parthenon's Optical Illusions: The Parthenon’s columns are slightly curved and tilted to give the illusion of straight lines from a distance. This architectural technique is called "entasis."!
• World Heritage Site: The Acropolis was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, when it was recognised for its outstanding cultural significance.
• Erechtheion’s Caryatids: The Erechtheion, another temple on the Acropolis, is famous for its Caryatids, which are sculpted female figures serving as architectural supports instead of columns.
• Birthplace of Democracy: The Acropolis is often associated with the birth of democracy, as Athens is considered the cradle of this form of government.
• ‍Restoration Efforts: Restoration and preservation efforts for the Acropolis began in the 19th century and continue to this day. The Acropolis Restoration Project is one of the most significant and ongoing conservation projects in the world.