- Address: Attiki
- Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm (until 7:30pm in Summer)
- Admission: Acropolis admission: € 12
Parthenon
The Parthenon (Parthenonas), one of the world's most famous buildings, represents a high point in ancient Greek architecture. Built around 440 BC, the Parthenon's classical architecture has influenced buildings ever since - and still does today.
Built for worship of the goddess Athena, it was to give thanks for the salvation of Athens and Greece in the Persian Wars. Officially it is called the Temple of Athena the Virgin; the name Parthenon comes from the Greek word for virgin.
In the 2,500 years of its existence, the building has been a temple, a treasury, a fortress, and a mosque; in the 6th century AD the Parthenon became a Christian church, with the addition of an apse at the east end. Today it is one of the world's leading tourist attractions.
Built of Pentelic white marble, the Parthenon is famous for its classical Doric columns and decorating sculptural friezes which depict scenes of battle and history in marble. Some of these, known as the Elgin Marbles, are in the British Museum and there is fierce debate about whether they should be returned to Greece.
Practical Info
The nearest underground train station is Akropoli. The Parthenon is the largest temple on the Acropolis, and entry to the Acropolis is via Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias, Anafiotika
Tours & Tickets
Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Combine the sights of modern Athens with sites of historical importance on this comprehensive 5-hour sightseeing tour by luxury coach. With an expert guide on ... Read more
Location:
Athens, Greece
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Athens Super Saver: City Sightseeing Tour and Half-Day Cape Sounion Trip plus Delphi Day Trip
With this Athens Super Saver, combine three best-selling tours for a two-day immersion in Athens, Cape Sounion and Delphi. Perfect for those who already have ... Read more
Location:
Athens, Greece
Duration: 2 days (approx.)
Athens Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Experience the essential things to do in Athens aboard a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. You'll see all the historical and modern sights of Athens in a ... Read more
Location:
Athens, Greece
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
Athens Super Saver: City Sightseeing Tour plus Half-Day Cape Sounion Trip
Discover two beautiful, fascinating Ancient Greece locations with this Athens Super Saver. With your guide, explore Athens and visit breathtaking monuments ... Read more
Location:
Athens, Greece
Duration: 1 day (approx.)
