Although many tourists to Greece flock to the islands in both the Aegean and Ionian, there are still many more that pound the uneven pavement of Athens during August.  While the sun beats down onto the mayhem of a city in chaos and archaeological ruin, with the 21st century swooping like an eagle over the old with the new, tourists from all over the world visit the remaining glory of an ancient empire to fill themselves with the history, myth and culture of a time long past. Before the acid rain, pollution, earthquakes and manmade destruction devour what's left of the past magnificence of Athens, before more pillaging and neglect strip bare what the Ancient Athenians have left behind for the world, there is no better time than right now, to follow the well beaten tourist trail to see just what remains and imagin the rest.

The restoration of The Acropolis is beginning to shine a well directed light  on the past life of  this magnificent structure. Standing amidst the enormity of the Acropolis, the rubble and ruin, the scaffolding and ancient  rock,  the independent traveller and the hordes of bus groups with cultures from Hong Kong to Dubbo,  are enveloped and united in emotion by an atmosphere that empowers great thoughts and imagination. From the apex, the bustling and polluted city below, has  all its' blemishes removed by distance and the romanticism the Acropolis ignites when standing on the rock and earth of this ancient site.

The Rock, just below the Acropolis on the Plaka side of the Mountain, requires determined concentration to overcome the slippery curves and crevices of its' well trodden surface, but the views across Athens make it imperative to climb.

Some advice for the thirsty.  It may be an idea to get some water on the way up to the Acropolis if you don't want to spend 3 euro on a little bottle, as it is, most times there is no water to be purchased there in the first place. Organize your valuables before you try to get in the gate.  Large bags and small back packs are to be checked in at the office.  No exceptions. In 2005, entry was 12 euro per person, but as through all of Greece, entry into Ancient Sites and Museums on Sundays  is absolutely free. During the Summer months, it's advisable to head up to the Acropolis either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.  It gets very  hot in Athens, so avoid sun stroke and dehydration by wearing a hat and drinking lots of water. Not everyone can endure the heat of an August midday under the Athens sun.