The Porch of the Caryatids: A Testament to Ancient Greek Art
Admire the graceful Caryatids, sculpted female figures supporting the Erechtheion on the Acropolis, a symbol of ancient Athens' artistic legacy.
The Porch of the Caryatids, located on the southern side of the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis in Athens, features six sculpted female figures serving as columns. These iconic figures, now replaced with replicas, embody the grace and skill of ancient Greek artistry and architecture.
A brief summary to The Porch of the Caryatids
- Athens, 105 58, GR
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat, especially during peak tourist season.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain and climbing steps.
- Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade on the Acropolis.
- Purchase your tickets online in advance to skip the long queues at the ticket office.
- Take some time to visit the Acropolis Museum to see the original Caryatids and other artifacts from the Acropolis.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach the Porch of the Caryatids, take the Athens Metro Line 2 (Red Line) to Acropoli station. From the station, it's a short 2-minute walk to the southeast entrance of the Acropolis. Alternatively, you can take Line 1 (Green Line) or Line 3 (Blue Line) to Monastiraki station, which is a 10-minute walk to the Acropolis. Several bus routes (230, 035, 025, 040) also stop near the Acropolis. Get off at Makrygianni Station, which is about a 5-minute walk to the entrance. A single metro or bus ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.
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Walking
From Syntagma Square, walk south along Leof. Vasilissis Amalias. Pass the National Garden and Hadrian's Arch. Turn onto Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, a pedestrian walkway that leads to the Acropolis. The walk is approximately 15 minutes and offers scenic views. No costs are involved if you choose to walk.
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Taxi/Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Athens. A taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the Acropolis typically costs between €4-€6 and takes about 2 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure the driver is aware of the destination before starting the ride.
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