Parthenon: reviews, price and Exclusive Promo Code

+28
recos
4.1/5 7 reviews
Rue Theorias, 105 58 Athens, Greece
Rue Theorias, 105 58 Athens, Greece
Parthenon and Acropolis ticket + digital guide from $40*
Booking recommended
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Parthénon d'Athènes
10
9

Visiting the Parthenon

At the center of the Acropolis, one structure commands your attention above all others. The Parthenon is the centerpiece of the most famous sanctuary on the planet. Built as a grand temple for the goddess Athena, the city protector, it was constructed from 447 to 432 BCE under the leadership of Pericles. It remains one of the most significant and recognizable monuments of Greek civilization. After centuries of wear, it served as a Byzantine church from 1208 to 1258, a mosque in 1458, a gunpowder magazine for the Ottomans in 1687, and survived an earthquake in 1804. Today, ongoing conservation efforts continue alongside daily tourism.

An architectural masterpiece of precision

The structure was crafted from Pentelic marble and originally housed the Athena Parthenos, a colossal 12-meter statue by the sculptor Phidias. Made of ivory and gold, the statue was the focal point for offerings within this grand setting. It was not alone, as the Parthenon also contained the chamber of the virgins, which held the treasury of both the goddess and the city. Despite the passage of time, the building remains a remarkable architectural feat. This Doric temple features a total of 46 columns, with 8 on the front and back facades and 17 along each side. Measuring 70 meters long and nearly 31 meters wide, it was built using the finest materials of the era, displaying an exceptional level of structural quality and decorative detail.

From the optical illusions in its lines to the friezes depicting processions and games, and the high-reliefs showing battles, the surviving fragments are now held in major museums across the globe. Pericles viewed this monument as a symbol of greatness, and it is still cited as a perfect structure today. The Parthenon continues to leave a deep impression on visitors and defines the skyline of Athens.

Parthenon and Acropolis ticket + digital guide from $40*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Parthenon

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Summary of 7 reviews
4.1/5
Average rating
+28
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.3
As a couple
4.3
With friends
4.5

Avygeo ranking

#64
in the world
#61
in Europe
#1
in Greece
#1
in Athens

Historic, but in rough shape

The Parthenon is a monument I had been wanting to see for a long time. I was finally able to do it a few years ago during my trip to Greece. The massive columns certainly give an impression of power, but the monument consists simply of ruins that are not necessarily well-preserved. However, the view of the city of Athens remains magnificent.

9
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Impressive but super crowded

If there is one must see spot that everyone wants to visit in Athens, it is the Parthenon. Even though it has deteriorated over time, it is still very impressive. It is a shame that it is always so crowded. You absolutely have to book in advance.

1
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Stunning

The Parthenon is impressive! It is the largest temple on the site. The place gets very crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowds and the heat. I also recommend seeing the Acropolis Museum to round out your visit, where you will find lots of information and understand how the monuments were built. Several spots offer beautiful views at sunset, like the surrounding hills or the rooftop bars.

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An overhyped historic site

I visited the Parthenon during a group excursion in the middle of a summer day. Between the crushing heat and the crowds, you really cannot enjoy the site. It is worth seeing more for the historical symbol than for the architecture, because there is not much left and it is hard to imagine the building in its glory days. Plus, the place is not very well preserved because of mass tourism. If possible, try to visit early in the morning.

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Old stones in a grandiose setting

At the top of a hill overlooking Athens, you cannot miss noticing this monument, both day and night. When you go there in person, the view of the city down below is spectacular. The site itself is large and imposing, but in the end, it is rather bare. The ruins are relatively damaged, with nothing left but the bare, sculpted stone, which is chipped in places.

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Historic but disappointing

An important place in human history that deserves our attention for that reason alone. That said, it is still just old stone ruins, of which there is not much left. I was not blown away.

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Too bad it is not well preserved

The site is historic, and it has seen our ancestors pass through for thousands of years. From that point of view, history buffs won't be able to resist the urge to visit the Parthenon.

That being said, the structures are pretty poorly preserved and you will need a good dose of imagination to picture yourself in the ancient era.

Too bad!

Ps: avoid the place in the summer, it is crowded and it is a real oven!

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