Acropolis - Athens
Climbing to the Acropolis is likely to be on the itinerary of most visitors to Athens. Athens was born on and around the hill. The Acropolis has been the heart of the city and is often a prominent feature in art depicting the city. Looking at paintings and prints of the Acropolis also gives insights into the urban development of Athens since antiquity. Acropolis as seen from Lycabettus Hill Guide to the Acropolis The hill was already inhabited in the Neolithic period, around 4000 years BCE. Later it became a Mycenaean fortress. In the 8th century BCE, the hill became a religious centre.Several temples were built on the hill in the 6th century BCE, but were destroyed in the Persian invasion of 480 BCE. After the Persian wars, the hill was fortified with the walls that still exist today. The new temple buildings were completed during the period known as the Golden Age of Athens in the 5th century BCE. A giant bronze statue of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, known as Athena Promakho...