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Erechtheion: The Iconic Temple of the Caryatids at the Acropolis
Standing on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens, the Erechtheion is one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Greece. While the nearby Parthenon is known for its monumental scale, the Erechtheion is admired for its elegant Ionic architecture, sacred history, and the world-famous Porch of the Caryatids.
Built between 421 and 406 BC, the temple was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon and occupied one of the most sacred locations on the Acropolis. Today, it is one of the highlights of every visit, alongside the Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Theater of Dionysus, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
On this page, you'll learn about the history, architecture, mythology, and significance of the Erechtheion, along with practical visitor information to help you make the most of your visit.
What Is the Erechtheion?
The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple located on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens. Unlike the symmetrical design of the nearby Parthenon, the Erechtheion has an unusual and elegant layout, shaped by the uneven ground and the many sacred traditions connected to the site.
The temple was dedicated to Athena Polias, the protector goddess of Athens, and Poseidon, one of the most important gods in Greek mythology. It was also associated with legendary figures such as King Erechtheus, from whom the temple takes its name.
Today, the Erechtheion is best known for the Porch of the Caryatids, where six sculpted female figures support the roof instead of traditional columns. This makes it one of the most distinctive and photographed monuments on the Acropolis.
History of the Erechtheion
Construction of the Erechtheion began in 421 BC during the Peloponnesian War and was completed around 406 BC. It was built after an earlier sanctuary on the site was destroyed during the Persian invasion of Athens in 480 BC. Unlike the nearby Parthenon, which was designed as a grand temple dedicated primarily to Athena, the Erechtheion served multiple religious functions and preserved some of the Acropolis' oldest sacred traditions.
According to ancient Greek beliefs, this was the location of the legendary contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of Athens. The temple was also associated with King Erechtheus, a mythical ruler of the city, whose name it bears.
Over the centuries, the Erechtheion served different purposes, including as a Byzantine church and later as part of an Ottoman residence. Despite wars, earthquakes, and centuries of change, the temple remains one of the Acropolis' best-preserved monuments. Today, it stands alongside the Parthenon, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike as one of the site's most significant architectural and historical landmarks.
INteresting informaiton
Why Is the Erechtheion Famous?
The Erechtheion is famous for its remarkable architecture, rich mythology, and the iconic Porch of the Caryatids—six sculpted female figures that replace traditional columns. While the Parthenon impresses with its size and symmetry, the Erechtheion is admired for its elegant design and the stories connected to one of the Acropolis' most sacred sites.
Unlike most ancient Greek temples, the Erechtheion was built to honor multiple deities and preserve several sacred locations within a single structure. According to Greek mythology, this is where Athena and Poseidon competed to become the patron deity of Athens, making the temple one of the city's most important religious landmarks.
Today, the Erechtheion remains one of the highlights of the Acropolis and is considered an essential stop for visitors interested in ancient Greek architecture, mythology, and history.
Best Erechtheion Tickets & Tours
Most Popular Acropolis of Athens Ticket
Discover Athens' most iconic landmark, the Acropolis, home to the legendary Parthenon, with your Acropolis entry ticket. Explore this ancient site at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
Includes
- Admission to the Acropolis archaeological site
- Access to the Parthenon within the archeological site
- Digital guide
- More details
“Definitely worth doing the Atropolis. We could take our time to walk up and take in the sights and to be in awe of the mastery [...]” Alison, April 2026 [Source: Tiqets]
Most Preferred Acropolis Guided Tour
Spend your day discovering Athens’ most iconic landmarks - the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Theater of Dionysus, and more alongside an expert guide, as you immerse yourself in 2,500 years of history, mythology, and culture.
Includes
- Entry to the Acropolis & Parthenon
- English-speaking Guide
- Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Theatre of Dionysus & More
- Headsets
“Our tour guide was very informed and answered all of our questions. Also the group stuck together the entire trip and was well guided.” Matthew, Aug. 2025 [Source: Haedout]
Bestseller Acropolis Combo with Museum
Step into the heart of ancient Athens with a combined ticket for the Acropolis and its Museum—admire the Parthenon, discover its priceless treasures inside, and uncover the full story with a multilingual audio guide
Includes
- Entry to the Acropolis archeological site
- Acess to the Parthenon
- Entry ticket to the Acropolis Museum
- Audio guide and more
“Having both the Acropolis and the museum tickets together made the day much easier. The museum helped us understand what we saw on the hill.” Sophie, June 2026 [Source: MegaPass]
Bestseller Acropolis Combo Ticket
Step into the heart of ancient Athens with a combined ticket for the Acropolis and its Museum—admire the Parthenon, discover its priceless treasures inside, and uncover the full story with an audio guide or expert-led tour, all in just 3 to 4 hours.
Includes
- Single Entry to the Acropolis site
- Audio guide for the Acropolis & Athens Old Town (Plaka)
- Duration 2 hours - 1 day
- More
“Excellent! We thorough enjoyed visiting all the sites on the pass and the audioguide included.” Shirel, UK, Sep 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Best Value Athens Sightseeing Combo
Experience the best of Athens with a convenient combo that combines entry to the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon with unlimited hop-on hop-off bus access. Explore the city's ancient wonders, then discover Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni at your own pace with panoramic open-top bus views and multilingual audio commentary.
Includes
- Entry to the Acropolis archaeological site
- Access to the Parthenon
- Acropolis audio guide
- Blue Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket (1 day + 1 complimentary day)
- Unlimited access to 4 bus routes: Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada & Vouliagmeni
- Multilingual onboard audio commentary
“We liked the flexibility. After seeing museum tickets together made the day much easier. The museum helped us understand what we saw on the hill." Natalie., June 2026 [Source: MegaPass]
Bestseller Acropolis Museum Entry Ticket
Skip the lines at the Acropolis Museum in Athens and explore the wonders of ancient Greece up close, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Acropolis through the museum’s stunning glass walls.
Includes
- Skip-the-line Entry Ticket
- Access to the permanent collection
- Access to the temporary exhibitions
- Access to the excavation site under the venue
- Audio guide
- Map
“Great experience. The museum was very nice and we got to learn a lot about the culture of Greece.” Miguel, Sep. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Top-Value City Pass for Athens
The smartest way to discover Athens! With the Athens City Pass, skip the hassle and enjoy easy access to the city’s top highlights. Explore the Acropolis & Parthenon, ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, use handy audio guides, and more; all included at no extra cost for the complete Athens experience!
Includes
- City Pass
- 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- 3 GB Internet Data
- Audio Guide
- Free Cancellation
- More
“It was very useful package for athens. Really worth it! Customer service is also very helpful. Thank you.” Zeynep [Source: MegaPass]
Other Must-See Monuments on the Acropolis
While the Erechtheion is one of the Acropolis' most distinctive temples, it's just one of several remarkable monuments within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you explore the Acropolis, don't miss these other ancient landmarks that showcase the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Ancient Athens.
Parthenon
The Parthenon is the largest and most iconic monument on the Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Built in the 5th century BC, it is widely regarded as the greatest masterpiece of Classical Greek architecture and remains the symbol of Athens today.
Temple of Athena Nike
Located beside the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike is a small Ionic temple dedicated to Athena as the goddess of victory. Despite its modest size, it played an important role in celebrating Athenian military success and offers beautiful views over the city.
Propylaea
The Propylaea served as the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and welcomed visitors into Athens' most sacred sanctuary. Its impressive marble columns and grand design created a dramatic first impression that still fascinates visitors today.
Theater of Dionysus
At the southern foot of the Acropolis lies the Theater of Dionysus, considered the birthplace of Greek drama. This ancient theater hosted the first performances of tragedies and comedies by playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Built in the 2nd century AD, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Greece. Today, it continues to host concerts and cultural performances, making it one of the few monuments on the Acropolis still used for its original purpose.
→ Explore the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and discover how this ancient theater continues to host world-class performances today.
Asklepieion
The Asklepieion was an ancient healing sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, it welcomed visitors seeking treatment, rest, and spiritual healing more than two thousand years ago.
Frequently asked questions about Erechtheion
What is the Erechtheion?
The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple located on the Acropolis of Athens. Built between 421 and 406 BC, it is known for its elegant Ionic architecture and its connection to Greek mythology. The temple was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon and is considered one of the most important religious monuments of Ancient Greece.
What is the most famous feature of the Erechtheion?
The Erechtheion is best known for the Porch of the Caryatids, where six sculpted female figures replace traditional columns to support the roof. The statues seen on the temple today are replicas, while five of the original Caryatids are displayed in the Acropolis Museum and one is housed in the British Museum in London.
How much is the admission fee for the Erechtheion?
The Acropolis was primarily dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. While the Parthenon was built in her honor, other monuments on the Acropolis, including the Erechtheion, were dedicated to multiple deities and sacred figures, such as Poseidon and the legendary King Erechtheus.
For which god was the Acropolis built?
The Parthenon was built between 447–432 BC on the Acropolis to honor Athena Parthenos, the city’s patron goddess. Commissioned by Pericles, it showcased Athens’ wealth, cultural dominance, and devotion during its Golden Age. The temple also functioned as a treasury and celebrated the city’s military victories.
Do I need a separate ticket to visit the Erechtheion?
No. The Erechtheion is located within the Acropolis archaeological site, so you can visit it with the same ticket that grants access to the Acropolis. No additional admission is required.
Are guided tours available for the Erechtheion?
Yes. Many Acropolis guided tours include the Erechtheion as part of their itinerary. An expert guide can explain the temple's history, mythology, architecture, and the significance of the famous Caryatids while you explore the Acropolis.
Is the Erechtheion open year-round?
Yes. The Erechtheion is generally open throughout the year during the Acropolis opening hours. Seasonal opening times may vary, and the monument may occasionally be affected by restoration work or temporary closures, so it's a good idea to check the latest visitor information before your trip.
Can you go inside the Erechtheion?
No. Visitors can walk around the exterior of the Erechtheion, but the interior is not open to the public. The temple is protected as an important archaeological monument, and viewing is limited to the designated visitor paths on the Acropolis.
This is not the official venue's website. This website is giving you only an overview of the available ticket options.
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