Acropolis

An Acropolis (Greek: Ακρόπολη - Akros, top; Polis, city) – quite literally the upper part of a town – is a bastion or citadel in which the ancient Greeks took refuge during battle.

Such a stronghold was often built on elevated grounds and from there many great cities and states like Mycenae, Argos, Corinth and Athens could arise. Indeed, “The” Acropolis forms the hart of modern day Athens.

The famous Acropolis of Athens is certainly the most representative of the Greek acropolises, situated on a flat and precipitous hill 160 m above sea level.

The site was already occupied in the Archaean period (17th century 50 BCE), when a palace was erected surrounded by a thick wall. During the 11th century BCE the citadel became a centre of worship and in the 5th century BCE the acropolis gained its final shape.

Most yacht charter crews will find the time to explore the acropolis before or after their sailing holidays. Other monumental archaeological sites like Palaia Epidavros, Mycenae, Sounion, Aegina, Delos, Monemvasia and Navplion can best be reached by yacht.

Read more articles in my yachting guide.