We are in Greece. What could be a better introduction to this country than a visit to the Acropolis high above Athens? Acropolis means high point of the city and it certainly is just that. It sits 150 metres above sea level on a flat top rock.
Pericles coordinated the construction of the buildings we now see in the 5th century BC. The latest restorations began in 1975 and are still going on.
It looks impressive from below.
Our point of entry was the Propylaea, a stunning building with its columns jutting towards the sky.
At the side is the lovely little temple of Athena Nike.
We did not have the Acropolis to ourselves. This is the most crowded historic site I have ever visited.
The Parthenon is the most famous of the ancient buildings. Restoration is still happening here.
It is stunning. Wouldn’t it be great to have seen it when it was new?
My favourite building was the Erechtheion with its 6 caryatids, or young women. These are copies. One was stolen by Elgin and the others are stored safe from the elements.
The Theatre of Dionysus is huge. Looking down on it is most impressive.
Athens spreads out behind it.
There is also a smaller theatre, Odeon of Herodus Atticus.
Crowds gathered here for great views.
The entire site offers great views of the enormous city below and some of the many other ancient sites.
It costs €20 to enter the Acropolis, money well spent. Go early.
We haven’t been to Athens for many years so thanks for the reminder and lovely photos. Seems the crowds are just as busy as our visit but that is inevitable at one of the world’s iconic buildings.
By: tastetravel on May 11, 2017
at 5:50 am
It must be a nightmare in summer. It was crowded, but OK. It was worth sharing this amazing place with a few other people.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:26 am
Stunning Deb
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on May 11, 2017
at 5:50 am
Absolutely stunning. I have seen photos, but nothing really prepares you for the sheer size and magnificence of the place.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:27 am
I agree Deb – magnificent – I visited Greece and the Acropolis on our first ever visit to Europe in the mid 70’s and was in awe – glad you are there and taking such stunning photographs. especially as I am unable to locate our pictures and they wouldn’t be as good as yours anyway.
By: Dianne Cant on May 11, 2017
at 6:05 am
It is incredible. Athens is lovely and the weather perfect.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:28 am
Interesting post. Check our new travel blog at https://10tips.in. Cheers 👍
By: Koel@WritingSouls on May 11, 2017
at 6:11 am
Waooo Greece is beautiful country, thanks for great pics of historical places. Awesome….
By: John Pellow Brisbane, Australia on May 11, 2017
at 6:54 am
We loved Athens, there will be more posts on Greece soon. We are currently on Santorini…very nice.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 7:09 am
Fascinating! It brought back memories of my first experience walking through the acropolis. Those six caryatids in the Erechtheion made a lasting impression on me. Nice photos and post.
By: timelessitaly on May 11, 2017
at 7:00 am
They were my favourite things there. It is a stunning place.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 7:10 am
ah in the old days you could go up before dawn
By: simonjkyte on May 11, 2017
at 7:18 am
That would be wonderful.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 9:24 am
dont forget to visit the archaeological museum not just the acropolis museum
By: simonjkyte on May 11, 2017
at 7:18 am
Thanks for the tip. We are currently in Santorini, but will be back in Athens in a few days.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 9:25 am
https://mycenaeanargolid.wordpress.com/athens-archaeological-museum-%CE%B5%CE%B8%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C-%CE%B1%CF%81%CF%87%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C-%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BF/
By: simonjkyte on May 11, 2017
at 10:41 am
Love your title!!
By: Sue on May 11, 2017
at 8:58 am
It was the title of a Greek comedy in Australia some time back. It was made by some wonderful Greek actors and was very funny.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 9:26 am
But it had me thinking of it as a play on words…Apocalypse Now
By: Sue on May 11, 2017
at 5:59 pm
Clever, I wish I had thought of that.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:28 pm
How thrilling to be there. The architecture is stunning. I’ve been watching Rick Stein’s Venice to Istanbul and in the programme i watched last he was in Greece …. i sooo want to go and your photos confirm that addition to my bucket list.
By: Jan on May 11, 2017
at 10:06 am
That was a great series. It inspired me too.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:25 pm
Lovely! Brings back memories of a long ago visit. Have been dreaming of returning. Enjoy Greece.
By: Madhu on May 11, 2017
at 10:22 am
This is my first trip to Greece. It is stunning.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:25 pm
Visited the Acropolis two years ago around the same time. Had the oldest guide ever, which seemed somehow appropriate. 😉 I strongly recommend hiring guide, it helps to navigate the crowds and hear all the essential historical bits.
By: MELewis on May 11, 2017
at 10:38 am
We didn’t do that, what a pity. I will remember it for next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:26 pm
Ohh I’m jealous that you are in Santorini, I waned to go there this year, but other things have got in the way. Athens is on my to do list now as well.
Thanks for the pictures.
By: janetknight57 on May 11, 2017
at 12:39 pm
Today we sailed around some of the islands and I swam in the sea…very cold, but great.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:27 pm
Green with envy! Enjoy your trip!
By: Mulino Dominillo on May 11, 2017
at 12:52 pm
Greece is wonderful. Santorini is gorgeous.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2017
at 6:27 pm
I’m continually amazed by the fact that some of those ancient buildings have withstood the ravages of time! I understand some parts have been replicated, but, as you say, Deb, they’re still stunning and worth a €20 visit. Wonderful photos as always.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on May 12, 2017
at 2:57 am
It is incredible that enough of these buildings survive to give us an idea of the magnificence these people were able to achieve.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 12, 2017
at 4:07 am
Glad that restoration is continuing on this magnificant structure. Such a shame that it wasn’t preserved over the centuries. It is breathtaking to stand and admire the architecture and construction. And we were amazed at just how huge the city of Athens is. We loved it too.
By: Kerry & Jim on May 13, 2017
at 9:38 am
[…] May we also went to Greece for the first time. Why did we wait so long!!! We loved Athens, Santorini and the quiet island of […]
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at 8:18 am