The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient Greek monumental complex. It is located in the basin of Athens. It is situated on a hill of average height (156m). Its overall dimensions are approximately 170 by 350m. This place has developed as a hub for tourists as well as reflect cultural and historical importance.
The first fortification wall was built during the 13th century BC. It has surrounded the residence of the local Mycenaean ruler. Such strong fortification walls have surrounded the summit of the Acropolis for more than 3,300 years. In the 8th century BC, the Acropolis gradually acquired a religious character. The cult of Athena which is the city’s patron goddess was established at Acropolis. The sanctuary reached its peak during mid-6th century to early 5th century BC. During that time, there was the archaic period.
The Athenians got victory over the Persians in the 5th century BC. To celebrate it, they carried out an ambitious building program. Many monuments like the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia and the temple of Athena Nike were built during that time. The monuments were developed by an exceptional group of architects and sculptors. This transformed the rocky hill into a unique complex. It has become the symbol of classical Greek thought and art. The Acropolis’ monuments have survived for almost twenty-five centuries. They have been through wars, explosions, bombardments, fires, earthquakes, interventions and alterations. Many civilizations, myths, and religions that flourished in Greece through time.
Presently, the Acropolis of Athens contains all the key attributes. It conveys the property’s Outstanding Universal Value. The ancient building techniques were perfect. This has ensured the resistance of the monuments to natural forces through hard times. Acropolis still display their beauty and convey their inestimable artistic and historic value. Despite time deterioration, it has preserved all the features that directly and tangibly associate them with the events and ideas of Democracy and Philosophy.
The authenticity of the Acropolis hill is well preserved. In order to maintain the authenticity and structural integrity of the monuments, an integrated intervention began in 1975 and continues today. The preservation and improvement works are based on clear theoretical and scholarly foundations. They are highly limited and done in case of necessity. It strictly follows the principles of the Venice Charter. The interventions respect the ancient structural system. And also, the techniques and the tools used for the restoration works are similar to those of the ancient craftspeople. Therefore, the restorations are highly considered to maintain the originality.
After the establishment of the modern Greek State in 1833, Acropolis has been operating as an archaeological site. The New Acropolis Museum was inaugurated in 2009. Here, most of the original sculptural and/or architectural pieces of the monuments are conserved. Studies regularly identify any problems with the site and nearby places.
Acropolis is crowned as the masterpieces of Greek Classical art and architecture. It has spectacular archaeological sites as well as museums. Tourists can enjoy these places along with modern markets with good accommodation and transportation facilities.
