THE ACROPOLIS THROUGH THE CENTURIES

The historic course of the city can be seen by the condition of which the monuments of the Acropolis were found throughout the centuries. In 267, the interior of the Parthenon was partially destroyed by a fire – to be repaired in 361-363 – most probably by the Emperor Julianus. The decrees of Theodosius the 2nd in 437 turned the monuments into Christian churches. In the 12th Century they became palaces, while much later in 1456, the Parthenon was deemed a Muslim mosque.

During the Ottoman domination, the Erechtheion was used as a harem and the Propylaea was utilized as an ammunition armory, which in fact caused an explosion in 1640 that damaged a section of the central building. Half a century later, in 1686, the Temple of Athena - Nike was demolished by the Ottoman Empire. A year later, in 1687, the Parthenon saw its greatest catastrophe. The Venetians, led by Admiral Francisco Morozini, bombed the Acropolis from Philopappou Hill during a siege on the Turks – whom had stored their gunpowder there. Up until that time, the structures were in good condition.

After the end of the Greek War if Independence in 1821, the New Greek Government’s first orders of business were to excavate, restore and conserve the monuments. In 1835, the first excavations began on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis and, in the same year, L. Ross restored the Temple of Nike Aptera. The excavations, under the supervision of K. Pittakis, P. Kavvadias and G. Kawerau lasted until 1890. It has been documented that Mr. K. Pittakis carried out the first restoration works of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea during the period of 1830-1863.

From 1898 until 1939, the restorative programs of N. Balanou were carried out, while from 1975 until present time, the Committee of Preservation of the Monuments of the Acropolis have been charged with the restoration and care of the monuments. Their main enemies are, of course, the atmospheric pollution and acid rain of the Attica sky.

THE ADDRESS

Acropolis and Parthenon (Archaeological Area)
Acropolis Hill
10555 Athens (Greece)
Tel. +30 210 - 3214172

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 2 (Red Line), Station "Akropolis"

BY BUS: 024, 040, 057, 103, 106, 108, 111, 126, 134, 135, 136, 137, 155, 206, 208, 227, 230, 237, 856, A2, A3, A4, B2, B3, B4, E2, E22

TROLLEY: 1, 5, 15

BY FOOT: From Syntagma Square, follow Filellinon Street to Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, until you meet the walkway of Dionysiou Aeropagitou. Follow it all the way up and you will see the Acropolis on your right hand side.

Nightlife

AIR LOUNGE BAR (Fresh Hotel)
The swimming pool area on the 9th Floor of the Fresh Hotel is where you will find the “Air Lounge”... more
USE BAR
Small bar playing mainly black music. Absolute hip hangout, open from nine in the morning for coffee and cold sandwiches,... more
JAMES JOYCE
James Joyce is considered, “a different type of Irish pub.” There, they blend the best of the old with the... more
POP
Small bar with the best indie sounds in the city, clean drinks and fanatic regulars.... more
BLACK DUCK MULTIPLARTE
This multi-space located in the heart of Athens has provided the stage for numerous mature Greek acts over the years.... more
EL PECADO BAR RESTAURANT
This, 19th Century inspired, designer club has been a favorite to many celebrities of the city. The name mean “sin”... more

Shopping

ROYAL ORIENTAL CARPET
Make a treasure hunt out of it and discover this basement store in the most ancient area of the city... more
ATHENS GALLERY
Located in the ancient heart of the city, in Plaka, the Athens Gallery offers guests the chance to experience the... more
NOTOS GALLERIES LAMPROPOULOS
The oldest and highly respected Greek-owned department store.... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
APOSTOLART
Apostol’s bronze and glass sculptures have gained popularity for their extraordinary design and craftsmanship. He has had exhibits in many... more
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM SHOP
The ground level shop has a broad selection of postcards, paper goods and the museum’s children’s collection. The second floor... more