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Beulé Gate: A Roman Entrance to Ancient Glory

Discover the Beulé Gate at the Acropolis, a Roman-era entrance built with ancient repurposed materials, echoing centuries of Athenian history.

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The Beulé Gate, located at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, is a historical landmark built in the 3rd century AD during Roman rule. Named after the French archaeologist Ernest Beulé, who discovered it in 1852, it once served as a fortified entrance to the Acropolis. Today, it stands as a reminder of the Roman influence on this iconic Greek site.

A brief summary to Beulé Gate

  • Acropolis, Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens, 105 58, GR

Local tips

  • Note that the Beulé Gate is primarily used as an exit from the Acropolis, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Look for the repurposed materials from the Choragic Monument of Nikias within the gate's structure.
  • Take a moment to observe the lion statues, inscribed stones, and the column capital with a Christian cross located within the gate area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Acropoli Metro station, walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street towards the Acropolis. The Beulé Gate is located at the entrance to the Acropolis archaeological site. This is a straightforward, approximately 10-minute walk.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) or Line 3 (Blue Line) to Monastiraki station, transfer to Line 3 (Blue Line) and head towards the 'Akropoli' station. Alight at 'Akropoli' station, which is about a 10-minute walk from Beulé Gate. Follow signs towards the Acropolis and walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, where you will find Beulé Gate at the entrance of the Acropolis. A one-way metro ticket costs around €1.20.

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Discover more about Beulé Gate

The Beulé Gate, found at the entrance to the Acropolis, is a structure with a rich history. Constructed around 280 AD, this gate was part of a defensive wall built following the Herulian invasion, marking a shift in the Acropolis's use from a religious center to a fortified position. The gate is named after Charles Ernest Beulé, the French archaeologist who unearthed it in 1852, revealing its significance after centuries of being covered by soil and Turkish fortifications. Built from Piraeus limestone and materials repurposed from other structures, including the Hellenistic Choragic Monument of Nikias, the Beulé Gate showcases architectural reuse. The inscription from Nikias's monument is still visible on the gate's entablature. The gate consists of two towers of unequal size, aligned with the Propylaia. In modern times, the Beulé Gate serves as an exit for visitors of the Acropolis. Within the gate area, one can see lion statues, inscribed stones, and a column capital with a Christian cross. The monument is under ongoing conservation by the Department of Restoration of Ancient Monuments. Exploring the Beulé Gate offers insight into the Acropolis's layered history, from its classical Greek origins to its Roman fortification and subsequent rediscovery.

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