Towering over the city, the Acropolis (“high city”) of Athens is the best and most well-known of its kind in the world, so much that it is simply called “The Acropolis”. It is a spectacular sight and a must-see for visitors.

Built upon an artificially flat-topped limestone plateau, settlement in this area dates back to the Neolithic period (to about 6000 BC). During the Mycenaean period in Greece (1900 BC – c. 1100 BC), Athens became an important centre of power and a fortified citadel was built upon the plateau, containing a “megaron”, or great hall. A temple dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom, justice, civilisation and war, and patron goddess of Athens, was built by mid-6th century BC, followed by another known as the “Older Parthenon”; the latter was destroyed when the city was attacked by Persians in 480 BC.

The Acropolis contains a number of temples and other structures built during the Golden Age of Athens (460–430 BC) under Pericles’ rule. These include the famous Parthenon which replaced the earlier temple. Decorated with sculptures and intricately carved marble panels, it represents a peak of classical Greek art and architecture. Today it is renowned as a symbol of Athenian democracy.

The Erechtheion is a temple dedicated to Athena Polias and Poseidon Erechtheus, though many other gods and heroes were worshipped here. Notable features include the Porch of the Caryatids, a large porch columned with female figures.

Artemis, goddess of the hunt, pregnancy and childbirth, had a long hall where women could make offerings, often of clothing.

The Propylaea is an impressive marble-columned gateway that is the physical entrance to the city and also represents a gateway between the land of men and that of gods.

Many monuments have not survived. These include the bronze statue of Athena Promachos (“the fighter”) which was at least 7m tall and whose spear tip reflected light that could be seen by sailors approaching from the south. Others include shrines to mythical kings of Athens and their family (the Pandroseion, Pandion’s sanctuary).