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Acropolis means "highest city" in Greek, literally city on the extremity (akros, akron,[1] edge, extremity + polis, city, pl. acropoleis). For purposes of defense, early people naturally chose elevated ground to build a new settlement, frequently a hill with precipitous sides. In many parts of the world, these early citadels became the nuclei of large cities, which grew up on the surrounding lower ground, such as modern Rome.
The word Acropolis, although Greek in origin and associated primarily with the Greek cities Athens, Argos, Thebes, and Corinth (with its Acrocorinth), may be applied generically to all such citadels, including Rome, Jerusalem, Celtic Bratislava, many in Asia Minor, or even Castle Rock in Edinburgh. An example in Ireland is the Rock of Cashel.
The most famous example is the Acropolis of Athens,[2] which, by reason of its historical associations and the several famous buildings erected upon it (most notably the Parthenon), is known without qualification as the Acropolis. Although originating in the mainland of Greece, use of the acropolis model quickly spread to Greek colonies such as the Dorian Lato on Crete during the Archaic Period.
Because of its classical Greco-Roman style, the ruins of Mission San Juan Capistrano's Great Stone Church in California, United States has been called the "American Acropolis".
Other parts of the world developed other names for the high citadel or alcázar, which often reinforced a naturally strong site. In Central Italy, many small rural communes still cluster at the base of a fortified habitation known as La Rocca of the commune.
The term acropolis is also used to describe the central complex of overlapping structures, such as plazas and pyramids, in many Mayan cities, including Tikal and Copán.
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The Athenian Acropolis is the ancient high city of Athens, a prominent plateaued rock perched high above the modern city with commanding views and an amazing array of ancient architecture, mostly from the Classical period of Ancient Greece, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. A visit to Athens is not complete without visiting the Acropolis - hundreds of tourists each day accordingly make the pilgrimage.
The Acropolis of Athens is open daily. Summer opening times: 8AM-7PM, Winter opening times: 8AM - sunset. Telephone: +30 210 3214172. Get there as early as possible to avoid heavy crowds, and summer heat when relevant.
General admission is €12 but excellent concessions are available, as is free access to many categories of individuals, especially under-18s and European university students - check the official web site [1]. There are also a limited number of free days for the public listed each year; again, check the website.
The entrance to the Acropolis is off Theorias Street. From the Akropoli metro stop and New Acropolis Museum, walk west along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and take the first left on to Theorias; from the Thissio metro stop west of Monastiraki, walk west to Apostolou Pavlou Street, turn left on it, and walk south to turn left on Theorias. From Plaka, you can walk south up steep Mnisikleous Street as far as you can go and turn right on Theorias.
The main archaeological site is surrounded by a large public area, a plethora of trees with beautiful stone-paved paths (designed by the great Greek architect Pikionis). A canteen with a wide range of food and drink is reached before you get to the ticket kiosk - but beware: refreshments are available only at exorbitant prices. You will definitely need a bottle of water with you in the hot summer, so either bring it with you or buy it from the kiosk on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, just outside the entrance. There are water fountains within the site, but the water isn't always cold. Guides can nearly always be found offering to show you around - at a price - at the point where tickets are checked. An alternative will be a printed version of this article (info not yet added), or ask for the free leaflet published by the Archaeological Resources Fund (includes a ground plan of the site and valuable information on the various monuments).
Some views will be marred by scaffolding. Many portions of the site are undergoing major, needed renovations.
Following European regulations, disabled access to the Acropolis can be gained by means of special paths and a purpose-built lift [2] on the north face of the hill. Apparently this is only for the use of those in wheelchairs.
For students of the European Union, entrance is free.
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ACROPOLIS (Gr. tutpos, top, n-oXts, city), literally the upper part of a town. For purposes of defence early settlers naturally chose elevated ground, frequently a hill with precipitous sides, and these early citadels became in many parts of the world the nuclei of large cities which grew up on the surrounding lower ground. The word Acropolis, though Greek in origin and associated primarily with Greek towns (Athens, Argos, Thebes, Corinth), may be applied generically to all such citadels (Rome, Jerusalem, many in Asia Minor, or even Castle Hill at Edinburgh). The most famous is that of Athens, which, by reason of its historical associations and the famous buildings erected upon it, is generally known without qualification as the Acropolis (see
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Categories: ACQ-ADV | Ancient Greece | Defense and armor
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Acropolis
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[[File:|thumb|250px|The Acropolis of Athens]] The word acropolis (Greek acron, edge + polis, city) means the edge of a town or a high city. The term acropolis is also used to describe the central complex of overlapping structures, such as plazas and pyramids, in many Mayan cities, including Tikal and Copán.
   | Marbles Reunited - The British Campaign to Return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens - A Small Orange - Web Hosting, Software and more! |
| | The Acropolis of Athens - Hellenic Ministry of Culture | Acropolis of Athens |
| | The Acropolis South Slope - Acropolis south slope - Athens Info Guide |
| | The Acropolis Museum - Acropolis Museum - Athens Info Guide |
| | Photo Gallery of the Acropolis South Slope - Acropolis South photos index - Athens Info Guide |
| | Photo Gallery of the Acropolis Museum - Acropolis Museum photos index - Athens Info Guide |
| | Acropolis photos - ACROPOLIS - ATHENS GREECE |
| | The Acropolis of Athens - Acropolis of Athens - Athens Info Guide |
| | Photo Gallery of the Acropolis of Athens - Acropolis photos index - Athens Info Guide |
| | from Dictionary.com website: - Acro Definition | Definition of Acro at Dictionary.com |
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