Erechtheion

The basics

Perched on its craggy escarpment overlooking the heart of Athens, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis (its name means “high city” in ancient Greek) is the most famous classical site in the world. The colonnaded Parthenon may be the first stop for most visitors, but the marble remains of the Erechtheion stood at the very soul of the Acropolis and is today one its most famous sights.

Join a tour of Athens that takes in the Erechtheion and other ancient sites on the Acropolis with a guide for insights into their history and architecture, or explore independently with a prebooked skip-the-line ticket to avoid getting caught in a long line. Some fast-track tickets include a downloadable audio guide to help you interpret the ruins on your own. 

Things to know before you go

• The entire Acropolis archaeological site, including the Erechtheion, offers very little shade and temperatures can be oppressive in the summer months. Be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes to visit.
• If visiting the Acropolis with children, consider booking a family-friendly tour with a kid-focused itinerary and engaging commentary to make the site come to life for younger visitors.
• There are well-maintained restrooms and free water fountains inside the Acropolis site.
• The temple ruins inside the Acropolis undergo constant restoration and repair work, so don’t be surprised to find scaffolding and sections closed off when visiting.
• Touching and standing on the temple ruins inside the Acropolis is prohibited, so keep that in mind when posing for snapshots.
• Some areas of the Acropolis are accessible to wheelchairs; enquire at the ticket office for more information.

How to get there

The Erechtheion is located inside the Acropolis archaeological site, which has a number of entrances. The metro station nearest the main entrance is Acropoli; the Thissio and Monastiraki stations are near secondary Acropolis entrances. You can also reach the Acropolis on foot from the Plaka district below.

When to get there

The Acropolis is the most famous sight in Athens and gets uncomfortably crowded, as well as hot, at midday. Tour in the early morning to beat the crowds and avoid the scorching temperatures later in the day, or put off your visit until the late afternoon when the site is cooler and quieter.

The Acropolis Headliners

In addition to the Erechtheion, the Acropolis is home to the majestic Parthenon temple, the Propylaea monumental gateway, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The site also includes the excellent Acropolis Museum, with a collection of ancient art and artifacts.

Ways to explore

The colonnaded Parthenon may be the first stop for most visitors to the Acropolis, but the marble remains of the Erechtheion are at the citadel’s very soul and today form one of its most famous sights. Any Acropolis walking tour will visit the Erechtheion to explore its history and architecture; options include early-access excursions to avoid the biggest crowds and hottest part of the day, private tours for more personal experiences, or kid-friendly itineraries that keep the family engaged. Be sure to prebook timed-entry tickets to avoid disappointment, particularly during the high summer season.

Accessibility

Akropoli metro station is accessible, and there is elevator access to the Acropolis. The wheelchair-accessible Acropolis route allows good views of the Erechtheion.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and a water bottle are essential when visiting the Acropolis in summer.

What to wear

There’s very little shade on the site, and the terrain is rugged, so wear a hat and comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Leave the picnic blanket at home—water bottles are permitted, but eating and drinking are not.

Amenities

Restrooms, shop, Wi-Fi

Address

The Erechtheion is located inside the Acropolis archaeological site, at the heart of Athens.

Driving

Both driving and parking in Athens’ historic center are incredibly challenging. Walk, take public transportation, book a rideshare or a taxi, or join a tour.

Public transportation

The Acropolis has multiple entrances. The best metro station for most entrances is Akropoli (line 2), but Monastiraki (line 1 and line 3) is an alternative. You can also reach the Acropolis on foot from the Plaka district.

Best times to visit

Opening hours for the Acropolis are seasonal: 8am to 5pm from November to March, 8am to 8pm from April to August, and closing time is earlier in September and October. Plan to arrive in the morning or the evening during the summer, as the site may close from 12pm to 5pm during periods of excessive heat. The site is shut on January 1, March 25, May 1, December 25, December 26, and Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Best days to visit

Try to avoid weekends and the days when admission is free: March 6, April 18, May 18, October 28, and the last weekend of September.

Best months to visit

Plan your visit for the shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. April and October are good months, although it’s best to avoid Easter.

Special events

If there is a winter or summer Olympics on the horizon, check the Olympic Torch Relay schedule to see when it stops at the Acropolis.