Acropolis Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Acropolis is a rocky hilltop rising 150 meters above Athens. It holds the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea gateway. For centuries, the site was completely inaccessible to wheelchair users because the only approach was up steep, ancient marble steps.

In December 2020, a wheelchair elevator was installed on the north slope. This elevator carries visitors from the base of the hill to the summit level in about 32 seconds. At the top, a cement pathway roughly 500 meters long and 4 meters wide runs along the main route past the Parthenon and other structures. However, the pathway does not cover the entire site. The ground beyond the paved route is rough, rocky, and uneven.

This is a meaningful improvement, but the Acropolis is still a challenging visit for wheelchair users. The elevator is not always operational, the pathway is limited in scope, and the exposed hilltop offers no shade or shelter.

Getting There

• Metro: Acropolis station (Line 2, red line) has an elevator to street level. From the station, the accessible elevator entrance on the north slope is about 700 meters. Follow Theorias Street around the north side of the hill. The route is paved but includes some moderate inclines.
• Bus: Route 230 stops near the north slope entrance on Theorias Street. Most Athens buses are low-floor with ramps.
• Taxi: Ask the driver for the north slope accessible entrance (Theorias Street side), not the main entrance on the south slope. The south entrance has many steps and no accessible route.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The wheelchair elevator is located on the north slope of the Acropolis hill. It was installed in December 2020 and can carry up to 2 wheelchairs with companions at a time.
• The elevator ride takes about 32 seconds to reach the summit level.
• Call ahead to confirm the elevator is working: +30 210 321 4172. The elevator may be shut down in extreme weather (high winds, heavy rain, or extreme heat) or for maintenance.
• At the summit, a cement pathway about 500 meters long and 4 meters wide runs past the main monuments. The path is relatively smooth but not perfectly flat. There are some bumps and slight inclines.
• The Parthenon can be viewed from the pathway at close range. You cannot enter the Parthenon itself (no one can).
• The Erechtheion and the Caryatid porch are visible from the pathway.
• Beyond the cement pathway, the ground is ancient rock, gravel, and rubble. It is not possible to leave the pathway in a wheelchair.
• There is no shade at the summit. In summer, temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius on the exposed hilltop.
• No wheelchairs are available for loan at the Acropolis itself.
• Visitors with a certified disability enter free, along with one companion.

Accessible Toilets

There is an accessible restroom near the elevator at the base of the north slope. There are no accessible restrooms at the summit level. Plan accordingly before making the ascent.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Call +30 210 321 4172 the morning of your visit to confirm the elevator is running. It is not uncommon for it to be temporarily out of service.
• Visit early in the morning, especially in summer. The hilltop is fully exposed to the sun with no shade or water stations.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. There are no shops or cafes at the summit.
• The cement pathway is your only accessible route. Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes to travel the full length and back.
• If the elevator is not running, the Acropolis Museum across the street is a fully accessible alternative with many original artifacts from the hilltop.
• The combined ticket includes the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kerameikos, and the Library of Hadrian. It is free for disabled visitors.
• Evenings in summer (the site stays open until 8:00pm) are cooler and less crowded.
• Power wheelchair users should note that the elevator can accommodate larger chairs, but confirm dimensions if your chair is wider than 70 cm.