The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis and was built for the goddess Athena, but during its time it was used and designed to store Greek treasures. It was built between 447 and 438 century BC, and is made entirely out of Pentelic marble. The Acropolis and Parthenon have undergone extensive restoration, some of which still goes on today.

Finding The Parthenon

There are almost thirty bus routes that pass nearby, and there are three trolleys that stop near the Parthenon. If you use the metro, get off at the Akropolis station and head for the Acropolis.

Walking is a little more tricky. If you start from Syntagma Square, go over and follow Filellinon Street. Take it all the way to Vasilissis Amalias Avenue. You will then encounter the walkway of Dionysiou Aeropagitou. Go up and follow the walkway up until you see the Acropolis, at which point you may follow what you see until you get there.

Address/Location

The Parthenon In The Acropolis: Acropolis Hill, 10555 Athens in Greece.

Visiting Hours

08:30 to 15:00 in the Winter; 08:00 to 19:30 in the Summer. It may be closed or have limited opening times on Mondays.

Helpful Information

There are different types of maintenance and restoration going on throughout the year, so you may see a varied amount of restoration staff and equipment in the Acropolis and Parthenon.

It gets very hot in the summer because the sun is very strong in that location. Bring a hat, sunblock, a drink of water and comfortable shoes. You may also like to bring a snack because food stands are only at the bottom of the Acropolis hill, which means there is nowhere to buy food at the top.

There are restrooms and toilets within the Acropolis, but it is not recommended that you drink the water from their toilet taps (they are just for washing your hands). The climb up the hill may be difficult if you have ambulatory problems, and the stone floors often become slippery when it has been raining.

If you are seeing the Parthenon, then you are probably seeing all of the Acropolis too. There is a lot to see and there are many crowds, so plan your day around it. Try not to be too put off by the restoration equipment and crane. Don’t forget to look outwards when you are on the Acropolis hill because there are some fantastic views to be seen.