Did You Know?

Did you know that the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Athens? The Acropolis is an ancient citadel situated on a rocky outcrop above the city. It houses several iconic ancient Greek structures, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea. It is a symbol of Athens and a testament to its rich history.

Did you know that Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896? The Olympics were revived in Athens to celebrate the connection to the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece. Today, the Olympic flame is still lit in Olympia and carried to the host city of each Olympic Games.

Did you know that Athens is often referred to as the "Cradle of Western Civilization"? It is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater. Many influential thinkers, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, lived and taught in Athens, shaping the foundations of Western thought.

Did you know that Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world? Its recorded history spans over 3,400 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Athens has been a significant center of civilization and culture since ancient times.

Did you know that Athens is known for its vibrant street art scene? The city is adorned with colorful and creative murals, graffiti, and street installations. Artists from around the world contribute to the ever-changing urban art landscape, making Athens a haven for street art enthusiasts.

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Discover Ancient Greece's Timeless Legacy At The Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece - a modern museum housing thousands of ancient artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Greece.

Given Athens’ long and colourful history, it is no surprise that there are dozens of museums within the city. One of, if not the, most important to the city’s past is the Acropolis Museum. Founded in 2003 and opened to the public in 2009, the museum, situated in the Plaka neighbourhood in the slope of the hillside, literally houses every artefact found on and around the Acropolis site.

There was an older version of the museum, erected in 1874, directly on the plateau of the Acropolis hill, but within a few decades, it ran out of exhibit space; each time an excavation commenced, a treasure trove of antiquities was unearthed, no doubt the direct result of simply the extreme age of the location. And when aspects of the Acropolis buildings become dangerously fragile, they are sometimes deemed better to be removed and preserved off the structure; such is the case with the frieze from the front of the Temple of Athena.

The current 14,000-square-metre Acropolis Museum is again bursting at the seams, crowded with more than 4,250 objects, and an expansion is planned. The museum hosts events and offers visitors guided gallery tours, a very worthwhile experience.