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8 Fascinating Acropolis of Athens Facts You Didn’t Know

Facts

The Acropolis of Athens is undoubtedly the top attraction in the Greek capital, drawing around seven million visitors annually. These tourists ascend the Acropolis hill to step back in time and marvel at the Parthenon. With such a rich history, the Acropolis has countless fascinating tales to share. In this article, discover 10 lesser-known facts about this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here are 8 interesting facts about the Acropolis of Athens

Pretty sunset at Parthenon on Acropolis, Athens, Greece.

The Acropolis was once brightly colored

Forget the white marble you see today—the Acropolis was once a vibrant masterpiece of color! Temples like the Parthenon were adorned in bold blues, reds, and yellows, while statues gleamed with bronze, gold, and even precious stones. Some traces of this colorful polychromy still survive, visible under UV light in certain areas.

Gold and ivory statue of Athena inside Parthenon

The Parthenon: A temple with a twist

Though commonly referred to as a ‘temple,’ the Parthenon wasn’t a place for public worship like most Greek temples with active shrines. Instead, it served as a treasury, holding Athens' wealth, including gold and silver tributes from its allies. The enormous gold-and-ivory statue of Athena inside? It essentially acted as Athens’ ancient ‘gold reserve.’

View of the Propylaea during Acropolis & Parthenon Guided Tour

A temple turned mosque and church

Over centuries, the Parthenon has undergone several transformations. During the Byzantine Empire, it became a Christian church. Under the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque.

5 Caryatids statues at Acropolis in Greece.

The Caryatid Statues at the Erechtheion are not the originals

The six Caryatid statues supporting the Erechtheion’s porch are replicas—five of the originals are housed in the Acropolis Museum, while the sixth was taken by Lord Elgin to the British Museum. The delicate originals were removed to safeguard them from pollution and acid rain, which had started to erode their features.

Supposedly Cave of Zeus beneath the Acropolis on the northern slope

A hidden cave beneath the Acropolis was once a shrine to Zeus!

Many visitors overlook the mysterious cave on the northern slope of the Acropolis, known as the Cave of Zeus. Older than the Parthenon by centuries, this ancient sanctuary was used for offerings to Zeus and Pan. Greeks believed caves were portals to the underworld, making this site a powerful place of worship.

Propylaea entrance at Acropolis of Athens, Greece, showcasing ancient columns and architectural details.

The Acropolis was built to withstand earthquakes

The Parthenon’s architects, Iktinos and Kallikrates, designed the temple with built-in earthquake resistance. Its slightly flexible columns and interlocking marble blocks enable the structure to absorb and distribute seismic energy, making it one of the most resilient ancient buildings ever created.

Tower of the Winds in Athens, Greece, ancient clock tower with detailed friezes and Corinthian columns

Home to the world’s oldest weather station

The Tower of the Winds, located on the slopes of the Acropolis, is the world’s oldest weather station! This 2,000-year-old octagonal marble structure once featured a bronze wind vane above its sundial. Some historians believe it also had a clever water clock powered by water flowing down the steep hill, allowing Athenians to tell time—even at night. How cool is that?

Top view of Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

A venue for the Panathenaic Games

The Panathenaic Games were Athens's equivalent of the Olympic Games, featuring a diverse array of events such as chariot races, mock cavalry battles, and competitions in poetry and music. A highlight of the celebration was a grand procession to the Acropolis, where a new robe would be draped over the statue of Athena Parthenos.

Frequently asked questions about the Acropolis of Athens

What is the Tower of the Winds and why is it important?

The Tower of the Winds is the world’s oldest weather station, built 2,000 years ago with a wind vane and water clock!

Can I see the original Parthenon Marbles at the Acropolis?

The original Parthenon Marbles are housed in the British Museum, but replicas can be seen on-site, and some are in the Acropolis Museum.

What is the Temple of Athena Nike and what makes it special?

The Temple of Athena Nike is a small, elegant structure celebrating military victories, known for its beautiful Ionic design and sculpted figures.

How long does it take to visit the Acropolis Museum?

The Acropolis Museum can be explored in about 1-2 hours, offering fascinating insights into the history and artifacts of the Acropolis.

Is it true that the Acropolis was once a fortress?

Yes! The Acropolis served as a fortified stronghold, offering strategic protection for ancient Athens thanks to its high, commanding location.

Can I walk up to the Acropolis?

Yes, visitors can walk up the hill to the Acropolis, but wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is steep and rocky.

Are there any hidden gems at the Acropolis site?

Definitely! Don’t miss the Erechtheion, with its unique asymmetrical design, and the stunning Caryatids—sculpted female figures holding up the temple’s roof.