Erechtheion
The basics
Perched on its craggy escarpment overlooking the heart of Athens, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis (its name means “high city” in ancient Greek) is the most famous classical site in the world. The colonnaded Parthenon may be the first stop for most visitors, but the marble remains of the Erechtheion stood at the very soul of the Acropolis and is today one its most famous sights.
Join a tour of Athens that takes in the Erechtheion and other ancient sites on the Acropolis with a guide for insights into their history and architecture, or explore independently with a prebooked skip-the-line ticket to avoid getting caught in a long line. Some fast-track tickets include a downloadable audio guide to help you interpret the ruins on your own.
Things to know before you go
- The entire Acropolis archaeological site, including the Erechtheion, offers very little shade and temperatures can be oppressive in the summer months. Be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes to visit.
- If visiting the Acropolis with children, consider booking a family-friendly tour with a kid-focused itinerary and engaging commentary to make the site come to life for younger visitors.
- There are well-maintained restrooms and free water fountains inside the Acropolis site.
- The temple ruins inside the Acropolis undergo constant restoration and repair work, so don’t be surprised to find scaffolding and sections closed off when visiting.
- Touching and standing on the temple ruins inside the Acropolis is prohibited, so keep that in mind when posing for snapshots.
- Some areas of the Acropolis are accessible to wheelchairs; enquire at the ticket office for more information.
How to get there
The Erechtheion is located inside the Acropolis archaeological site, which has a number of entrances. The metro station nearest the main entrance is Acropoli; the Thissio and Monastiraki stations are near secondary Acropolis entrances. You can also reach the Acropolis on foot from the Plaka district below.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Acropolis is the most famous sight in Athens and gets uncomfortably crowded, as well as hot, at midday. Tour in the early morning to beat the crowds and avoid the scorching temperatures later in the day, or put off your visit until the late afternoon when the site is cooler and quieter.
The Acropolis Headliners
In addition to the Erechtheion, the Acropolis is home to the majestic Parthenon temple, the Propylaea monumental gateway, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The site also includes the excellent Acropolis Museum, with a collection of ancient art and artifacts.
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- Parthenon
- Anafiotika
- Agora of Athens
- Theatre of Dionysus
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Odeio Irodou Attikou)
- Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater
- Plaka
- Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
- Acropolis
- Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
- Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos)
- Monastiraki
- Temple of Hephaestus
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropoli)
- Adrianou Street