Visiting the Parthenon in Athens

Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Themepark Freak

Not all attractions strewn through the modern world are from the current century. Greece is full of attractions in the form of ancient ruins. If you’re thinking about visiting the Parthenon in Athens, here is some practical information that you may want to know.

What is the Parthenon?

The Parthenon was started in 447 BC to thank Athena for victory over Persian invaders during the Greco-Persian wars. The structure was finished in 448.

While the structure resembles a temple, there is some argument among scholars if it ever really was a proper temple. There’s no evidence that the Parthenon hosted the cult of Athena Polias. All of the preserved ancient sources don’t associate this structure with any priestess, alter or cult.

However, what we do know about the Parthenon is in the 5th century AD the structure was converted into a Christian church. It was first dedicated to Saint Sophia and later to the Virgin Mary. The area around the Parthenon is enshrouded in Christian history since in the bounds of the attraction is Mars Hill (Areopagus Hill where Paul delivered the Areopagus sermon).

Then in under Turkish rule the Parthenon became a mosque. Unfortunately, during the Siege of the Acropolis, the Parthenon was largely destroyed. In the early 19th century Lord Elgin looted the structure and sold his treasures to the British Museum.

Practical Information for Visiting the Parthenon

If you’re in Athens and want to stop by this massively impressive structure, here is some practical information that you should know before you go.

Opening Times and Ticket Prices

There are two different sets of opening times based on when you’re visiting. There are also several days in the year that the attraction is closed due to holidays.

April to October

8:00 AM to 8:00 PM with the last entry allowed at 7:30 PM.

Tickets cost €20.00.

November to March

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the last entry allowed at 4:30 PM.

Tickets cost €10.00.

Attraction is Closed

• 1st January
• 25 March
• 1 May
• Easter Sunday
• 25 December
• 26 December

Free Entry into the Parthenon

On certain days of the year, the attraction is open to the public for free. If you happen to be visiting on one of the following days, you may be able to snag a freebie!

• 6 March
• 18 April
• 18 May
• Last weekend of September
• 28 October
• First Sunday of the month from November 1st until March 31st

TIP: if you’re wanting to visit several attractions through Athens, there are often combination tickets that will allow you to save money vs. purchasing each ticket separately.

Accessibility Information for the Parthenon

The following is the accessibility information for the attraction. This will include mobility, sensory, and size information.

Mobility Access and Information

If you come by bus, there is a bit of a walk up hill to the ticket booth and entrance into the attraction. There are several routes you can take. Some include steps while the road going to the entrance is also an option.

If you come by Taxi, you can have the driver pull up to the entrance.

The path leading up to the top of the hill is moderately steep (very steep feeling if not used to the exercise). For wheelchair users, there is an elevator that can be used to get to the top (note that if it’s too rainy or windy the elevator might not be available). The elevator is located on the Northwest side of the Acropolis and will completely avoid the steps that lead up to the entrance on that side.

When walking around the temples at the top of the hill, there is a lot of uneven stone. There are also dips and little holes.

Unfortunately, there are no guided tours available to wheelchair users.

Sensory Information

• Crowds will be at the peak during the summer tourist season. If crowds are an issue, then consider visiting Athens and the different attractions during low season. If you can’t visit during low season, go before 11 AM or after 2 PM.

• As the Parthenon is at the top of a hill, there can be wind blowing.

• There can be loud noises from equipment as it is an active archeological site.

Size Guide

There are no size limitations for this attraction.

Attraction Rules and Regulations

As with any attraction, there are rules for visiting this ancient site.

• no touching the marble
• no pets allowed
• no food or drink outside of water (a small pack of quick sugar is OK for diabetics)
• cigarettes, cigars, or vapes
• playing music publically
• photographing for commercial use

0

0