Acropolis of Athens

ancient Greece · architecture · history · landmarks

Perched on a rocky hill. The Acropolis sits high above the city of Athens on a rocky hilltop, which made it perfect for an ancient fortress and temple complex that stood tall for thousands of years.

Name means highest point. The word Acropolis comes from two Greek words meaning 'highest point' and 'city', so it literally means the top part of town.

Home to the Parthenon. The most famous building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, an enormous marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena that still stands as one of the most beautiful structures ever built.

Named after a serpent-man. Long ago, people called the Acropolis 'Cecropia' after Cecrops, a legendary serpent-man who was said to be Athens' first king.

One of many acropolises. Greece has several acropolises on different hilltops, but the one in Athens is by far the most famous and important.