The Parthenon: Athens' Enduring Symbol

4.8 (74966)

Explore the Parthenon, an iconic symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian democracy, standing proudly on the Acropolis for over 2,500 years.

Home
Greece
North Aegean
Parthenon

The Parthenon, a majestic marble temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, stands proudly atop the Acropolis in Athens. Built in the 5th century BC, it remains a powerful symbol of ancient Greece, Athenian democracy, and Western civilization, despite enduring centuries of war, explosions, and looting.

A brief summary to Parthenon

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parthenon.

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
Wear comfortable shoes as the Acropolis involves a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces.
Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade on the Acropolis.
Consider visiting on a free admission day, such as March 6, April 18, May 18, or the last weekend of September.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The Porch of the Caryatids

The Porch of the Caryatids: A Testament to Ancient Greek Art

Erechtheion

Erechtheion: A Temple of Myth and Architectural Innovation

Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis of Athens: Cradle of Western Civilization

Getting There

Metro

The most convenient way to reach the Parthenon is via the Athens Metro. Take the M2 (Red Line) to the 'Acropoli' station, which is located next to the Acropolis Museum and the south slopes of the Acropolis Hill. From the station, it's a short, approximately 2-minute walk to the entrance. A single metro ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes, allowing transfers to other modes of transport.
Bus

Several bus lines connect to the Acropolis area. Bus 230 from Syntagma Square stops near the Acropolis Museum and the main entrance on Rovertou Galli Street. Other bus and trolley services (1, 5, 15, 040, 230, A2, B2) stop at Makrygianni, about a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis. A single bus ticket costs €1.20, valid for 90 minutes.
Walking

From central Athens locations like Syntagma Square or Monastiraki, it is possible to walk to the Parthenon. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views of the city. Follow pedestrian routes and signs towards the Acropolis. Be prepared for an uphill walk as you approach the Acropolis. No costs are involved if walking.
Taxi

Taxis provide a direct route to the Acropolis. A taxi from Athens city center (e.g., Syntagma Square) to the Acropolis typically costs between €5 and €10, depending on traffic and the exact drop-off point. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Note that taxis can only drop you off at the base of the Acropolis; you'll still need to walk uphill to reach the entrance.

Discover more about Parthenon

The Parthenon, an iconic symbol of ancient Greece, dominates the Acropolis of Athens. Constructed between 447 and 432 BC, during the height of the Athenian Empire, it was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the city's patron goddess. The temple was part of a vast building program initiated by Athenian statesman Pericles.The Parthenon replaced an earlier temple that was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. Architects Iktinos and Kallikrates designed the temple, while the renowned sculptor Phidias oversaw the sculptural decoration. The temple's innovative architectural features and harmonic proportions have been celebrated and emulated for millennia. Constructed primarily of Pentelic marble, the Parthenon required immense resources and skilled labor.Over its long history, the Parthenon has served various purposes. In the 6th century AD, it was converted into a Christian church, and later, under Ottoman rule, it became a mosque. In 1687, during a Venetian siege, an explosion caused severe damage to the structure when it was being used as a gunpowder magazine. In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin removed many of the surviving sculptures, now known as the Elgin Marbles, which are housed in the British Museum. Today, the Parthenon is undergoing extensive restoration to preserve its structural integrity and remaining artifacts. Visitors can explore the Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon's architecture and historical significance. Though entry inside the structure is not permitted, the exterior view and surrounding site offer a profound connection to the past.