Why the Acropolis is special
The Acropolis ("high city") is a mammoth, steep-sided rock outcropping overlooking Athens, Greece. It's crowned by an Acropolis complex conceived and built by 5th century BC Athenean statesman Pericles. Interestingly, the world today widely praises its architecture, but some of Pericles's contemporaries considered it to be in poor taste.

Parthenon
The focal point of the Acropolis complex is the stunning Parthenon (see top-right section of photo). The Parthenon, which means "virgin's dwelling," was erected to honor Athena, the city's protecting goddess.

Other main Acropolis attractions
They include the Caryatids (a row of female statues functioning as columns) and the sculpture-rich Acropolis Museum.

Tribulations in past four centuries
Time has been unkind to the Acropolis. In 1687 (over 2,000 years after the Acropolis was built), a stray cannon shell blew up ammunition being stored inside the Parthenon. The explosion permanently collapsed the roof and seriously damaged the columned walls. In the early 1800s, priceless marbles (now called the Elgin Marbles) were transferred without Greek approval to the British Museum in London. Lately, air-pollution is badly eroding what's left of the buildings.


What leading travel books say about the Acropolis
The Acropolis has the power to stir the heart as few other ancient relics can.
Greece
Frommer's

The most blasé of visitors cannot but admire the awesome nobility of the Acropolis.
Greece
Insight Guides