Top Things to see at the Acropolis in Athens

At the Acropolis, you can see all kinds of amazing things that will transport you back in time. Here are just a few: The Parthenon of course, Dionysus Theatre, The Acropolis Rock, Temple of Athena, Propylaia, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Way, Herodes Atticus Theatre, Panagia Chrysospiliotissa and the Erechtheion.

There are views of the Acropolis from a distance that show its magnificence. We had the benefit of staying in a building in Athens where when we went to the rooftop, the view of the Acropolis was just amazing. If you want a great view, ask around Athens, or go to Areopagos and get a wonderful view from there. At night, it has a completely different view worth seeing as well. Make sure your camera's batteries are charged. You don't want to ever forget these amazing stops.  Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring plenty of water along.   Comfortable shoes only add to the already great experience.

If you are at the acropolis already, you don't really need to be told to make sure to see the Parthenon, but do spend some time learning about it and taking pictures from all angles because its just such a treasure of a structure.  When I was there, the were doing some renovation work on it, as over time it seems to want to break down and age like everything else.  I am glad they are working and preservation and restoration of it.

The Parthenon is the best example of Classical art, at least in the area.  It is truly magnificent and I felt thankful to get to be so close to it and capture some neat shots.  This is a "Temple to the Virgin", also known as the goddess Athena, thus the city of Athens.  There is an ivory and gold sculpture of Athena inside the Parthenon.  Just magnificent, that is the best adjective that comes to me at the moment to describe it.

The Dionysus Theatre was a place where there were drama competitions in ancient Classical Greece. There were many tragedies and comedies performed there, that were written by wonderful playwrights. Some of the playwrights were Euripides, Aeschylus, and Sophocles. They were first performed at this location.

The theatre seated 15,000 people which is just amazing. You may observe this theatre on your walk up to the acropolis, depending on which way you go. I can only imagine life long ago, with people coming and going on those marbled sidewalks that are slippery now from use over time. In the very front rows of the theatre you can still observe the engraved marble seating, that was reserved for the priests, the priests of Dionysus.

This particular structure really stood out to me, not for its magnificence or size though it is wonderful.  The women that are actually the columns themselves are so beautifully sculptured that its truly an unforgettable piece of ancient art. 

There is a myth that states that there was a battle over the patronage of Athens.  The battle was between Athena and Poseidon and they supposedly fought it right where we now see the amazing piece of art.  The design of Erechtheion is intended to unite the separate temples that were to each of the two gods. So besides the sheer beauty and intrigue, you have an amazing story to go along with it.  It is simply stunning to see, and I can't imagine the laborious efforts that go into something like this. A must see when on or near the Acropolis.

This is another theatre near the acropolis, closer than Dionysus theatre to the entrance actually.  This one is a later addition, but very magnificent in size and appearance.  It was built by Herodes Atticus, thus the name.  In the summer time, you can still observe this theatre being used for the Athens Festival.  I would love to be there when it is in use and get to be a part, to have a feel of what it must have been like so long ago.