What is the Acropolis?

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, Greece. The site contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous of which is the Parthenon.

The Acropolis dates back to the 5th century BCE and was a symbol of power and prestige for the ancient Athenians. It was the center of religious and civic life in Athens and served as a venue for many important events, including the Panathenaic Games.

Today, the Acropolis is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can see the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and other important buildings, as well as enjoy breathtaking views of Athens and the surrounding countryside.

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "highest point, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city"). The term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece.

During ancient times the Acropolis of Athens was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king. While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as early as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the buildings whose present remains are the site's most important ones, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.

The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece. It is open to the public and visitors can explore the site on their own or with a guided tour.