Erechtheion

This temple across from the Parthenon is famous for its Caryatids, the six larger-than-life female columns which support its roof.

TravelCurious Tip

This part of the Acropolis is significantly quieter – it’s a nice spot to escape the crowds of the Parthenon.

It may be less prestigious and well-known than the nearby Parthenon, but in ancient Athens it was the Erechtheion which held primary religious importance on the Acropolis. Supposedly the sea god Poseidon struck his trident into the rock on this spot, and later Athena famously caused an olive tree to sprout in the same place when she stabbed it with her spear in defiance of Poseidon’s rule of the Acropolis. To honour this mythology, the Athenians dedicated the Erechtheion to both deities.


Maidens Fair and Strong

The Erechtheion was built as part of the great Athenian statesman Pericles’ grand vision during the Golden Age of Athens in the late 5th century BC. It was during this period that the most famous buildings on the Acropolis were constructed, using the designs and labour of some of the best craftsmen of the day. The most dramatic evidence of this skill can be found on the southern face of the temple, known as the “Porch of the Maidens”. Here, five young women stand firmly carved in such a way that they act as columns to support the portico. There were originally six of them, until esteemed archaelogical pilferer Thomas Elgin stole one of them in 1801 to decorate his mansion in Scotland.


Beautiful on So Many Levels

Walking around the Erechtheion today, you will be struck by its complicated architecture. This piece of ground may have been holy, but it was by no means even, and the temple was built on several different levels in an attempt to deal with this problem. Considering the age of the place, the intricacy with which it was designed and built by those ancient hands is nothing short of awe-inspiring.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Athens
Acropolis
An ancient citadel high above the city, this group of stunning ruins are among the most important cultural icons of Western civilisation.
Parthenon
Crowning the Acropolis hill, the sublime marble columns of the Parthenon form the most recognisable monument in Athens.
Propylaea
This stunning monumental gateway leads onto the plateau of the Acropolis.
Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus
On the East of the Erechtheion around 500 BC, the Athenians built the open-air sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, the city protector.
Temple of Rome & Augustus
The Temple was built at the end of the 1st c. BC on the east side next to the Parthenon.
Pandroseion temple
Temple dedicated to Pandrosus, one of the daughters of Cecrops I, the first king of Attica.

Related Tours

The Greek Essentials: Private Full-Day Tour of Athens Highlights
If you only have a short amount of time in Athens and want to see as much as possible in one day, this full-day private tour is the perfect option for you! You will visit the Greek Essentials, including Parthenon, Acropolis hill, New Acropolis Museum, the Plaka neighbourhood, the Ancient Greek Agora & the Olympic Stadium.

On your all-inclusive, private full-day tour of Athens you will:

  • Admire the Parthenon’s remarkable design, learn about the uses of Acropolis Hill over the centuries, and cross through Acropolis propylaea gate, as the ancients would have done in procession centuries ago;
  • Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological site, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus, where classical works by the most famous Greek poets were first performed in the 5th Century B.C.;
  • Walk through the charming Plaka district, with its famed white staircases, cafes and terraces and see the Lysicrates Monument;
  • Admire the Tower of the Winds and Roman Agora and marvel at Hadrian's Library;
  • Explore Ancient Greece's economic and political centre at the Greek Agora;
  • Admire the Temple of Hephaestus, known to be the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world, and is even older than the Parthenon;
  • See the Stoa of Attalos, the beautifully reconstructed Ancient Greek Portico, once an ancient shopping mall;
  • See the Parthenon Marbles up close in the New Acropolis Museum on the Museum's top floor, as you admire breathtaking views over the monument itself;
  • End the tour at the famed Olympic Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and home to the first modern games in 1896.

With your expert guide, you will discover the city’s most important cultural sites, including the colossal remains of the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis, a UNESCO world heritage site. On the plateau of the Acropolis, you will find the awe-inspiring heights of the Parthenon pillars, gaze on the beautiful female forms of the Caryatid columns, discover some of the earliest theatres known to man and enjoy panoramic views over the city. 

Your guide will explain the central role these monuments, and more, played in classical society and immerse you in the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. You will also wander through the Agora, the heart of classical Athens. Once a bustling marketplace, in these now peaceful ruins you’ll walk in Socrates’ footsteps amongst classic temples and Byzantine churches, learning how Athens became the birthplace of democracy.

On your way to lunch at a place recommended by your local guide, explore bustling Plaka, the oldest district in the city. Sometimes called “the neighbourhood of the gods”, Plaka is known for its winding alleyways and scenic shopping. 

After finishing lunch, escape the heat of the day with a visit to the spectacular (and air-conditioned) New Acropolis Museum. Here you will learn firsthand the artistic wonders that once adorned the monuments of the Acropolis. 

Finally, you will also visit the stunningly marbled Panathenaic Stadium. Constructed for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this immense structure is a strong reminder of the continuing legacy of ancient Athens in the modern day. 


This tour includes the "combo ticket" that will give you skip-the-line access to the Roman Agora, Kerameikos site & Museum, Lykeion Gymnasium, Hadrian's Library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus during in the 4 days following your tour.
The Acropolis of Athens & New Acropolis Museum: Private Tour
Immerse yourself in the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO world heritage site and the city's most important cultural site on this private half-day walking tour. On the plateau of the Acropolis, you’ll find the awe-inspiring heights of the Parthenon pillars, gaze on the beautiful female forms of the Caryatid columns, discover some of the earliest theatres known to man and enjoy panoramic views over the city. 

On your private walking tour, you will:

  • Climb to the summit of the Acropolis and learn why it was a symbol of democracy, freedom and Greek culture;
  • Learn about all the ways Acropolis Hill has been used over the centuries;
  • Walk through the Acropolis propylaea gate, the grand entrance to the Parthenon built around the natural entrance to the plateau of the Acropolis;
  • Admire the Parthenon, one of the most famous buildings of ancient Greece and was constructed in the fifth century BC;
  • Have a comprehensive tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological site, including the Odeon of Herodes; Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysos, where classical works by the most famous Greek poets were first performed in the 5th Century B.C; 
  • See firsthand the famed Erechtheion temple, the most complex building on the Acropolis;
  • Admire views over the Modern Athens skyline and the Ancient Greek Agora, an open space for public gatherings;
  • Enjoy a guided tour in the New Acropolis Museum, famed for its architectural design, exhibition experience and incredible collection which houses exceptional artifacts from this historic site;
  • See the Parthenon Marbles up close on the Museum's top floor, as you admire breathtaking views over the monument;
  • End the tour in the Museum to continue exploring at your own pace. 

Come explore the Acropolis of Athens, the ancient Greek citadel that dominates the skyline of Athens. 

Built on a rocky outcrop above the city, it contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

 This private tour offers you access to one of the most important historical sites in Europe with a private tour guide, where you will visit all major monuments and learn about their rich history where democracy was born.

Your guide will explain the central role these monuments, and more, played in classical society, and immerse you in the myths and legends of Ancient Greece.

Your tour will also take you to the spectacular New Acropolis Museum where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the artistic wonders that once adorned the monuments of the Acropolis.  

When your tour ends, you can stay in the museum to explore at your own leisure. 
The Acropolis, Plaka & Ancient Greek Agora: Private Walking Tour
Your half-day guided tour of Athens is the best way to check everything off your to-do list while enjoying the undivided attention of a private guide, who will be sure to tailor the experience to your interests. 

On your private half-day tour of Ancient Athens, you will:

  • Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis, with tickets included in the tour price;
  • See the Acropolis and Parthenon without the crowds, if you opt for the earliest tour start time;
  • Have a comprehensive Private tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological site, including the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus, where classical works by the most famous Greek poets were first performed in the 5th Century B.C;
  • Learn about all the ways Acropolis Hill has been used over the centuries;
  • See firsthand the famed Erechtheion temple – the most complex building on the Acropolis;
  • Walkthrough the charming Plaka district, with its white staircases, cafe and terraces and see the Lysicrates Monument
  • Enjoy skip-the-line entrance into the Greek Agora to explore Ancient Greece's economic and political centre;
  • Admire the Temple of Hephaestus, known to be the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world, and is even older than the Parthenon;
  • Finish your tour in the Greek Agora, where you will be free to continue exploring at your own pace.

On your private half-day tour, you will start by exploring the three temples from the Acropolis complex, the Parthenon, the Erechtheum and the temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin). Today, the Acropolis (meaning “hill city'') is Athens’ crowning glory: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important cultural monuments as the celebrated birthplace of democracy. 

Incredible human endeavour built The Acropolis 2,500 years ago as thousands of tons of marble, quarried at Mount Pentelicus 10 miles northeast of the city, were lugged up steep steps to the Attica plateau by vast legions of manual labour. Hand-hewn using mallets, foundations were built using great blocks of limestone dating back to the Late Cretaceous period. 

Next, wander through the city’s historic centre, Plaka, where your guide will give you recommendations for finding the best real local fare and artisanal shops for you to return to during your trip.

After exploring Plaka, you will visit the Greek Agora, where you can see the Temple of Hephaestus, believed to be the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world –older even than the Parthenon. Your tour will end in the agora, where you can continue to explore at your own leisure. 

Your tour includes the "combo ticket", which will give you skip-the-line access to the Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Library, Archeological site and Museum of Kerameikos, Lykeion Gymnasium during the 4 days following your tour.
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