During our September 2025 trip we decided to once again return to the Acropolis and Parthenon and take a Self Guided Tour. We have done this before and during our 2018 trip we visited this amazing site for the first time. Since our first visit, the Acropolis has undergone more renovation, we have explored more of this area, and we know a bit more about Greece mythology and ancient history. Because of this, I decided it was time to write a new more, up to date post on our Self-Guided Tour to the Acropolis and Parthenon. I have made every attempt to make this post accurate, as I do all posts. As always, please leave a comment if you other information.
Make sure you reserve a time slot to visit the Acropolis ahead of time as I believe you cannot purchase at the gate. If this is wrong someone let me know! There are many sites to purchase tickets on. The official site is the Hellenic Heritage Site and you can click to reserve your spot.
Instead of a self-guided tour, you can also book a guided tour to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Some tours include the Acropolis museum as well. Check out Viator as they have many tours with something for everyone. You can find tours for the Acropolis and Parthenon by clicking here.
Location
Here are the locations of some of the sites on the Acropolis for a self-guided tour. I label the places mentioned in this post and also labeled our direction of site seeing starting with the letter A. There is a map on a sign when you first enter the complex, snap a photo of it for reference.
History of the Acropolis
I like to have some back ground history when I do a self-guided tour and found the research I did on the Acropolis and Parthenon was extremely informative and helpful. The Acropolis and Parthenon often are used interchangeably, regardless, there is a difference. The Acropolis, is the walled complex which sits on top of a rocky hill in the Center of Athens. Whereas the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, is the largest and most striking temple within the Acropolis.
The Acropolis has been in use in some form since prehistoric times. Originally named Cecropia the name Athens transpired to honor the goddess Athena. During the Mycenaean era, a royal palace sat atop of this stately rock. In addition, the Acropolis was a busy place as it was the main city center. During this era the rock on which the Acropolis sits, became fortified with the well known Mycenaean Cyclopean Walls. Some of those walls can still be seen today.
Perhaps the most renown period for Athens is the 5th century BC when most of the ruins we see on the Acropolis today were built. The Statesman, Pericles, oversaw re-construction of older buildings and construction of new elaborate buildings, supported art and theater, and was very influential.
The Odeon Of Pericles
This Odeon, Built in 435 BC by Pericles, for the Panathenaea, a multi day Athenian festival held each year. In addition to the festival, musical events performed here and this area was also a shelter during inclement weather. Unlike the typical round or circular Odeons, this one was square with pillars around it. This area was inaccessible when we were here, hopefully see it next time we visit.
Church of St Paraskevi
The Church of St Paraskevi was a small single aisle basilica built on the site of the ancient road on the south slope of the acropolis which leads to the Sanctuary of Dionysus. It dates to Byzantine times. Although in ancient times, there was a chapel here dedicated to an unknown diety.
Sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus
The Sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus or Dionysus the Liberator was built by the cult of Dionysus in 6th century BC. Included in this area was a temple to Dionysus , the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus, and the Temenos of Dionysus. This Sanctuary contained two temples, the first one built in the 6th century BC and the second one was built around 350 BC. Both would have had an altar for sacrifice in the temple.
Temenos of Dionysus Eleuthereus
A Temenos is an area of land that is marked off by a wall or ditch for the namesake diety. In addition, everything within this area belongs to that specific diety.
Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus
This ancient theater, built in the 6th century BC originally had their spectators sitting on wooden seats. Its use was for religious purposes in conjunction with the Temple of Dionysus. It is the world’s oldest theater. In the 5th century, BC, this theater was used for the annual Dionysia festival and stone seats were built. This Athen’s city festival included plays performed here written by the most celebrated playwrights of the time. These men wrote their plays and performed them for competition. By the 4th century BC, tiered stone seating gave this theater its final glory.
Sanctuary of Asclepius
Dating to the 1st century, BC, , the Sanctuary of Asclepius was a healing center, a hospital. Patients staying here hoped to have healing through dreams. The spiritual dreams would consist of being healed or being given advice to heal by the god of medicine, Asclepius and/or his daughter Hygiene, goddess of health. This area included a temple, an alter, a place to sleep, dream and heal, and a place of lodging.
Stoa of Eumenes
The Stoa of Eumenes sits along the ancient road between the Odeion of Herodes Atticus and the Theater of Dionysus. This stoa sat two stories high. 64 columns were on the first floor facade while the interior boasted 32 columns. The second story consisted of an exterior colonnade made up of double-semi columns. Pergamene capitals graced the interior which are rare to see in Greece.
Temple of Themis
Themis was the goddess of divine law and order. She was in charge of justice, morality, and proper conduct. This temple, dedicated to her, was built between 480 and 320 BC.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a large theater and a favorite ruin of mine. This marble and stone theater, sits majestically on the side of a hill. It was built in 161 AD. The Odeon continues with music and theatrical performances still occurring today. I hope to see a show here one day. You can view the Odeon from a walkway above, which also offers a nice view of Athens.
The Propylaea
Once you pass the Odeon, there are many steps to climb to reach the Propylaea. The Propylaea is the majestic entrance to the Acropolis. It is reminiscent of a building with columns on each side that you walk through to the Acropolis. Similar to a grand hall on the other side of the Propylaea, you will see the Parthenon standing tall in all of its glory along with the other buildings atop the Acropolis. I cannot begin to describe the feeling of actually being at the Acropolis. I was in awe, knowing that I was standing where the great orators and philosophers stood centuries ago.
**NOTE** Once we were on the Acropolis, we toured the site by walking to our left all the way around and then exploring the Parthenon last.
Pandroseion
This sanctuary was a sacred place dedicated to Pandrosus, the first priestess of the city of Athens and the daughter of the first King of Athens, Cecrops I. This open air sanctuary contained columns surrounding the courtyard and an altar to Zeus inside the columns. It was built in 421 BC and attached to the Erechteion.
The Sacred Olive Tree
The sacred Olive tree of Athens grew inside the Pandroseion and it is believed to have been planted by the goddess Athena. The olive tree in this photo is a direct descendant from Athena’s first tree.
The Erechtheion and The Porch of Caryatids
Located north of the Parthenon is the Erechtheion. Most likely named after the mythical Athenian King, Erechtheum and was built for religious ceremonies between 420 BC and 406 BC. It is dedicated to the goddess Athena. The southwest corner of the Erechtheion houses The Porch of Caryatids. The Caryatids are six impressive columns of Pantelic marble sculptures, each carved in the shape of beautiful life-like women draped in a gown with long elaborately designed hair. Five of the originals are in the Acropolis Museum. Unfortunately, the sixth Caryatid is currently on display in the British Museum after Lord Elgin took her and other artifacts to England between 1801 and 1805 after removing her from the Acropolis.
Altar of Athena
The Altar of Athena is where sacrifices and offerings were made to the goddess Athena. During the Panathenaic festival held each year, processions would have been made to this altar with the animals that were to be sacrificed. There are little to no remains of this altar today other than some smooth bedrock which I was not able to locate.
Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus
This is another open air sanctuary and which was dedicated to Zeus Polieus, (Zeus the Protector). Built around 500 BC, it was shaped like a trapezoid and included an altar and also a table for sacrifice. Stables were built where the animals stayed until they were sacrificed. To my knowledge, there are no remains of this today.
The Greek Flag of the Acropolis
You cannot miss the Greek Flag flying proud over the Acropolis. There is a view point from here that allows for fantastic views of the city below.
The Temple of Rome and Emperor Octavian Augustus
This temple is the only Roman temple on the Acropolis. You can see ruins of the circular altar surrounded by. nine columns. It is dated sometime after 27 BC, when Athens came under Roman rule.
Sanctuary of Pandion
This sanctuary is dedicated to father and son mythical heroes and kings both named Pandion. More of a hero shrine than a religious sanctuary, it may have been built under Pericles around 431 BC during his extensive building up of the Acropolis. It was a rectangular building with two open air rooms walled off in between them. This is in the southeast corner of the Acropolis and the foundation has been excavated, we were unable to go to this area.
Parthenon
At the top of the Acropolis, you can’t miss the Parthenon because it is the largest building here. It was built in 447 BC and dedicated as a temple to the goddess Athena who is also the Patron of Athens. When we were there, in 2018 it was undergoing extensive restoration, therefore, scaffolds were in many areas. Today, you can view the restoration work which is still in process with some scaffolding still in use. Although I have read, since we have been here, all the scaffolding has been removed.
The Parthenon is very captivating with its massive columns surrounding the building and decorative sculptures on the facade which are called pediments. These pediments also tell a story. On the east side is the story of the birth of Athena and the west side depicts the competition between Athena and Poseidon for the glory of being the patron of Athens. As the name of the city is Athens, Athena won by gifting an olive tree for the city as opposed to Poseidon gifting a saltwater spring.
Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia
Built in the 6th century near the Propylaea, this was an extension or a branch of the main Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia along the Attica Coast in Vravrona. This was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. This enclosed building had a stoa running the length with wings on each end that were closed on those ends. The stoa acted as a temple and one of the wings housed the cult statue of Artemis Brauronia who was the protector of women in pregnancy and childbirth. Women who were dedicated to Artemis, often would offer clothing to the goddess and wrap the clothing around the wooden cult statue. We were unable to find the remains of this sanctuary although I have read they are visible lying before the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Temple of Athena Nike
South of the Propylaea, you will see The Temple of Athena Nike (Athena of Victory). This temple was built in the 5th century BC, for the purpose of honoring the Goddess Athena. Athena was given credit for bringing Athens victory over their enemies. The word Nike, means victory. This small but beautiful temple has undergone renovations which were complete in 2010.
Bruele Gate
This fortified gate was added during the Roman Era for extra protection in the 3rd century AD introducing a new fortress type feel t the Acropolis. It sits below the Propylaea and you can either visit this on your way out of the Acropolis or on your way in. We choose on our way out as it was quite crowded on our way in.
The lions are Venetian Sculptors on display here.
Conclusion
Both Steve and I love the Acropolis and Parthenon and each time we go we do a self-guided tour. This gives us time to read the signs, take photos, and just really take it all in. Even though we have been here before, it is awe inspiring to think we are walking in the footsteps of the great philosophers and founders of democracy.
Timing
I have had many people ask me the best time to visit the Acropolis. We have always visited in September or early October and have always ventured here in the evening. This year was the most crowded we have seen it, although it is the earliest in September we have visited. We reserved a 1645 (4:45PM) appointment. We found by time we left at 1830 (6:30) the crowds had diminished by more than half. So as for the best time, I don’t know, this is just our experiences. If we go again, we would visit after 1730 (5:30PM).
Planning
When we are in Athens we use the Rick Steves Pocket Athens guidebook and find a lot of useful information in it. There is also a pocket map. This can help you not only plan a self-guided tour to the Acropolis and Parthenon, but other areas of the city as well.
We also use Top 10 Athens (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide) to help us plan and find t extremely helpful and organized. It includes top 10 places for restaurants, things to see, shopping, etc. It also divides into top 10 of each area. This is my favorite guide book. It does come with a pocket map.
We also have an Athens Street Map which was more in-depth and very useful as we explored more areas on this trip. You can pick up an Athens street map at the airport in the baggage claim area and it is a good resource as well.
Books to Read
I do love to read and the following are a few books that I have read that really enhanced by interest in Ancient Athens this year. They are fiction, but follow the history of this time so I felt I learned something while reading these books. Also I find it fun to see the areas that are mentioned in the books. You can click on the link and find them on Amazon.
The Pericles Commision (Mysteries of Ancient Greece Book 1) by Gary Corby
Ancient Greece, Discovering Lost Stories from Greek History by Matt Clayton
The Girl in Two Worlds: Time Travel to Ancient Athens (The Connection Trilogy Book 2) By JM Newsome
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You can check also out my other Athens posts by following these links!
Athens National Archaeology Museum, Sept 2025
Tower of the Winds, An Ancient Timekeeper, Sept 2025
The Athens Roman Forum Sept 2025
Where to Eat in Plaka and Nearby
The Panathenaic Stadium, September 2022
Tour the Temple of Poseidon, September 2021
Anafiotika, Athens, Greece, September 2019
Temple of Hephaestus and Ancient Agora, September 2019
Sunrise from Lycabettus Hill, October 2019
Sunrise From Philopappos Hill, September 2019
Arriving in Athens on our Anniversary, September 2019
The Acropolis and Parthenon, October 2018
A Rainy Day in Athens, September 2018
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