If there’s one thing that would represent the city of Athens best, it’s undoubtedly the Acropolis. Situated on top of a rock that rises 150 m above sea level, the citadel consists of a complex of ancient buildings, temples and structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its historical, architectural and cultural significance. I only saw the Acropolis on photos before, but came summer of 2015, I arranged a trip to the ancient country of Greece to finally experience the archaeological sites for real!
Before reaching the Acropolis, I passed by the Areopagus Hill. It’s famous because according to legends, Ares (Mars), the god of war, was tried there for his murder of Poseidon’s son, Alirrothios. It was also the site where St. Paul delivered a speech. The hill is located between the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis, so it’s hard to miss it!
Entrance to the archaeological sites in Athens is not free, so one must obtain a series of tickets first. I bought mine at the Ancient Agora for 6euros, and it includes almost all the interesting sites. There is also a ticket kiosk and snack and souvenir booths at the foot of the hill. Exhausted from the ascend under the scorching heat of the sun, I bought a cold beverage and then moved on towards the Acropolis. NOTE: Food and beverages are not allowed in the site, so you better finish eating/drinking before entering the security gates. There are several acropolis in Greece, but the one in Athens with the Parthenon and the rest of the complex is considered “THE Acropolis”. 😉
Some of the famous sites at the Acropolis are the following:
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in 161 AD in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. Aspasia was 14 and Herodes was 40 when they got married. 
They had 6 children but only 3 survived to adulthood.
The Erechtheion, an ancient temple in the Acropolis dedicated to both Athen and Poseidon. A notable feature of the temple is the Porch of the Maidens supported by 6 draped female figures (caryatids).
The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. According to legend, Athena and Poseidon were vying to be the protector and patron of the city. Athena offered the people the olive tree, whereas Poseidon offered the seas. The people thought that they already have plenty of waters, so they picked Athena. Since then, she has been the favorite of the people, liking her much more than Zeus. 
The Propylaea, the main entrance to the Acropolis. Be careful when trodding the steps here.. The floor was made from Pentelic marble and gray Eleusinian marble or limestone, making it really slippery!
There are other ruins, temples and monuments and such, but those mentioned above are the ones I fould most interesting! Feel free to read more about the Acropolis here.
This is my first entry which uses the slideshow feature of the new post template, and I’m loving it! Saves me lots of time, and it makes it easier to read, eh. 😉 Anyway, more about my trip to Greece in the succeeding entries. Cheers! ❤
PinayOdyssey 