Visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum

In fact, the Acropolis is so important that in March 2007 it was declared as the preeminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list of monuments. The Acropolis is not one building, but a group of buildings, including the famous Parthenon.

The Parthenon Photo Credit: Greece Insiders

A guided tour to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum

That’s why I decided to do it right, and I booked a 4-hour private guided tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum. I met with my state-licensed guide early in the morning and began my journey into history. As we walked towards the famous citadel, I learned a lot about its history and heard some very intriguing background stories about its construction, back in the fifth century BCE. The Acropolis is the most accurate reflection of the splendor, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Pericles.

Erectheion Photo Credit: Monika Koulaga

When we reached the entrance, I got a bit discouraged as I was greeted by an endless queue of tourists from all over the world, waiting for their own slice of history.  Luckily, my guide had it all arranged and we went in right away, something that really lifted my spirits up.

Lycabettous hill from the top of the Acropolis Photo Credit: Greece Insiders

The Acropolis of Athens

We ascended the rocky path to the Theater of Dionysus. The first theater of the world was born in Greece. Theater means ‘viewing things’ in Greek. Actors are called hypocrites. The soul is the psyche. They improved the soul through the theater. After ascending to the top of the sacred rock I was confronted by one of the most important structures in world history – the Parthenon. It is an architectural masterpiece the importance of which can only be understood when you stand in front of it hearing its construction history and secrets. This unique temple was dedicated to Goddess Athena and was built from Pentelic marble.

New Acropolis Museum Photo Credit: Tilemahos Efthimiadis

The New Acropolis Museum

After I visited all of the Acropolis important sites, including the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike, I went on with my exploration of ancient Athens by visiting the new Acropolis Museum. It has become a renowned attraction worldwide with every floor bursting with exquisite artifacts, sculptures and antiquities. In the meantime I had a – much needed – coffee break with my guide, who eagerly answered all of my childlike, curious questions.

The Parthenon from the New Acropolis Museum Photo Credit: Mike Norton

I’m not really the museum kind of person, but I have to admit that the Acropolis Museum connected the ‘dots’ between the marble ruins and filled in the blanks of nearly 2,500 years of history. The building itself is an architectural gem, designed to echo and pay homage to its classical surroundings. The lower levels of the museum are aligned with the archaeological ruins below, adding an impressive element to this sophisticated project.

At the end of my private experience, I felt really inspired and philosophically provoked. It is always shivering to realize that our concepts and ideals of the world, as we know it, were born in this place more than 2500 years ago.