Free Entry to the Akropolis in Athens: A Cultural Experience

In November 2017, Michael and I visited Athens for the first time. Despite having traveled extensively around the world, we had never managed to plan a trip to the Greek capital. As a self-proclaimed history enthusiast, I felt a bit embarrassed that we had overlooked this incredible city for so long. Below is what I wrote in my travel blog at the time:

On Sunday all the historic sites in Athens were open to the public – free of charge! So we joined the masses climbing up the Akropolis. People had settled already about 5000 years ago on this hill, however, its current remains have been built in the 5th century BC by Perikles. the most famous site is the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Whilst the Greek and Romans maintained the building well, under Byzantine rule it was converted into a church and then under Ottoman rule into a mosque. Unfortunately, in 1687, during the siege by Venice, the Akropolis got largely destroyed because the Ottomans used it as a gunpowder magazine, that exploded after a Venetian cannon ball hit the Akropolis.

The Erechtheion is another ancient Greek temple on top of the Akropolis that was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. However, over time it was used by different ruling countries for different purposes: from an ancient temple in Greek and Roman times, it was converted into a church during the Byzantine era. It served as a palace under Frankish rule and finally was the residence of the Turkish commander’s harem during the Ottoman period.

The views from the Akropolis were stunning. Also completely understandable that it was inhabited from early on. It provides a natural protection and since the fortification it can also easily guard the plain area beneath. In addition, you could easy watch the sea and notice ships approaching. We could admire Mount Lycabettus that we had climbed up two days ago. It is a stunning rock in the middle of Athens.

Many original pieces such as wall pieces and statues and other excavated items were taken into the Akropolis museum and replaced by copies. So on our last day on Monday we decided to visit the museum which is definitely worth the time.

In the evening we flew back to Barcelona after a great long weekend in the Greek capital. We will certainly be back and probably combine it with a boat trip to one of the million little Greek islands.