Map and Synopsis: Ancient Acropolis & Parthenon Athens Greece

This poor resolution Acropolis map below is still interesting if only because, at its top, it depicts the the alternate foot route via Plaka and Anafiotikia in turn, accessible from Monastiraki, Omonia and Syntagma Squares. (For a complete run-down on the Acro-polis of Athens click.)

That road at the top is, in addition to its "must see walk" status, is the road which directly connects the Acropolis with the Athenian Agora just below, and the city of Athens beyond that.There are some decent modern stairs joining the top and bottom levels and a gate at both ends which are locked at night.You'll want to keep your ticket coupons if you buy the ticket granting access to the 'car-free' unification walk.

The road at the foot of the Acropolis is called the peripheral road or periafreriakos: You do not need a ticket to walk up to this road and enjoy the view from Mars Hill whose 3,000 year old stairs is the slipperiest in Europe I bet!

Mars Hill or the Aereopagos (left) is open at night and the view is exceptional. Upon this really slippery rock, judgments were made like acquitting Oresties of the murder of his father and stuff. Oresties was lucky but that was in a play by Aeschelus. In real life all the famous people like Pericles climbed up here too! Others were thrown from the heights to the rocks below.

That can be your fate too if you aren't careful. Still that doesn't stop scads of visitors from sitting up there on the smoothly worn rocks and getting a really nice view of Athens at night. Sneakers are ok but the main stairs are best attempted prone on the way down. If you are shaky or wearing heels don't try this with your shoes on. A flashlight would be a nice touch too.

Once up, and at night, to your left as you look out over the ancient agora precinct you may notice a sloping, unlit, no mans land cascading to the bottom of the hill. In my mind this unspoiled area must still be much as it was thousands of years ago. Its a blind spot in the archeological record. Perhaps the Amazons camped here while attacking Theseus'  ancient Athens as depicted on the Temple of Theseus in the agora close by? The 'Amazano-machia' is a favorite theme of classical Greek temple decor. Perhaps too in ancient times, this mysterious area was the haunt of satyrs, nymphs and driads? Are those really peeping toms lurking in its shadows or just the product of an overworked imagination? Both!

For more info on the Acropolis click the link below. See complete guide Ancient Acropolis Athens, Greece
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