South Slope of the Acropolis of Athens

While the main citadel of the Acropolis of Athens held the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea, and other important ancient monuments, the slopes of the Acropolis were used to build sanctuaries, theaters, and other structures for artistic, cultural, and religious activities. The south slope of the Acropolis was particularly favored because of its natural terrain and because it received the most sunlight, giving it much religious, cultural, and spiritual significance.

Slopes of Acropolis | Quick facts

Official name: Acropolis and slopes

Location: Below the citadel of the Acropolis of Athens

Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 58, Greece

Function: Site of many sanctuaries, theaters, and other Ancient Greek cultural buildings.

Monuments on the south slope of the Acropolis

Odeon of Herodus Atticus

An odeon was a small theatre-like venue to hold musical performances like recitals and concerts. The odeon on the south slope of the Acropolis of Athens was built by Herodus Atticus in 161 CE in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla. It could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators at a time.

Theater of Dionysus

Built in the 4th century BCE, the Theater of Dionysus is one of the world’s most ancient theater complexes. Dedicated to the god of wine, festivities, and theater, it hosted several Greek dramas and plays, including the tragedies of Euripides, Sophocles, and Aristophanes. At its peak, it could seat up to 25,000 people.

Asklepieion

An asklepieion was an ancient Greek healing temple that served as a hospital. The south slope of the Acropolis is home to the Sanctuary of Asclepios, the Greek god of healing. Apart from an Ionic temple and an altar, the 5th century BCE sanctuary had a two-storey stoa and a hall to shelter pilgrims.

Stoa of Eumenes

The Stoa of Eumenes was a covered corridor built on the south slope of the Acropolis in the 2nd century BCE. It was constructed between the Theater of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, to provide theater-goers with a sheltered area to stroll during intermissions in performances. It was donated to Athens by Eumenes II, the king of Pergamon.

Frequently asked questions about the slopes of the Acropolis

Do I need to purchase separate tickets to visit the monuments on the south slope of the Acropolis?

Access to the monuments on the south slope is included in some Acropolis tickets, like the Acropolis + 6 Archaeological Sites of Athens multipass ticket. If you want to visit these monuments, check the ticket details before you book them.

Where can I buy tickets for the Acropolis of Athens?

You can purchase your Acropolis tickets online. Booking online is convenient as you can make reservations for the day and time that you prefer. You’ll also be able to avail of great discounts.

When were the monuments on the south slope of the Acropolis built?

Most of the monuments were built between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE. The Odeon of Herodus Atticus was built in 161 AD.

Are there any monuments on the other slopes of the Acropolis?

On the North slope of the Acropolis, you’ll find the Klepsydra Spring with its paved court and a well, the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Eros, as well as the cave sanctuaries of Apollo, Zeus, and Pan. The East slope of the Acropolis has a cave dedicated to the nymph Aglauros.