Acropolis Disabled Access Review by John Sage

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Disabled Access at the Acropolis

The approach to the Acropolis has severe cobblestones (2 star smoothness).

Disabled access at the Acropolis is provided by a wheelchair stair climber lift and an elevator.The ground on top of the Acropolis is very even but there are very few steps once you get up there. The Parthenon temple on top of the Acropolis is one of the most recognized buildings in the world.A trip to the top of the Acropolis is certainly a memorable one because the view is magnificent.

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Here is the gate where a taxi can drop you off. You may be able to talk to the guard and go past this gate to get dropped off at the elevator. Because most of the sculptures and artifacts have been removed over the years, there is actually very little on top of the Acropolis that you need to see up close.Consequently, you may want to consider viewing the Acropolis from afar and visiting the more accessible Ancient Agora which has more ancient artifacts to see up close.

Pic of the stair climber to get up to the elevator.

If you are in a wheelchair or have another disability, you should take a taxi up to the entrance of the Acropolis.This will get you past the 250 m long hill with very rough cobblestones on it.The taxi can drop you off at the green gate.If you get out here you will still have to go 250 m on a paved path that primarily has 4 star flatness but has some portions that are 3 star flatness to reach the elevator.You may be able to convince the security guard to let you get dropped off at the elevator.Once you get to the elevator, you will have to take a wheelchair stair climber before actually reaching the elevator.

Another pic of the stair climber to get up to the elevator.

Once you get on top of the Acropolis, you will find uneven ground that will be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.Nevertheless, the Acropolis is wheelchair accessible overall.

Elevator to get to the top of the Acropolis.

Is there a wheelchair accessible entrance? Yes, if you get dropped off by a taxi at the elevator, you will take a wheelchair platform lift up the stairs to the elevator to get you to the Acropolis.
Where is it located? Northwest side of the Acropolis
Is there a ramp or elevator to get around the steps? Yes. The elevator is shut down during windy or rainy days.

Elevator to get to the top of the Acropolis.

Where is the closest place that cars/taxis can drop-off people? The best option for disabled access at the Acropolis is to take a taxi. If you can get dropped off at the green gate on the west side of the Acropolis, you will not have go over the rough cobblestone street (2 star smoothness). You will still have to go up and down a 250 m long hilly paved path leading to the elevator (part of it is 3 star flatness, most of it is 4 star flatness).You may be able to convince the security guard to drive you up to the elevator.

What are the nearby metro stations? Syntagma station

What bus lines pass nearby? #230 and #400 busses

Where is the closest disabled parking? Book an accessible hotel room here and I’ll find out for you

Uneven ground on top of the Acropolis.

Are there cobblestones or hills leading to the entrance? Yes, if you approach from the south you will have to ascend a 250 m long cobblestone road (3 star flatness, 2 star smoothness).

Uneven ground on top of the Acropolis.

What percentage of the attraction can be viewed without having to go up steps? It really depends on how comfortable you are going over very uneven ground.Overall, I would estimate 40% can be reached in a wheelchair and 70% can be viewed.

Uneven ground on top of the Acropolis.

Which parts are not accessible? After you take the elevator up, some parts of the Acropolis are very uneven.

Are there loaner wheelchairs? 1 wheelchair

Is there an accessible restroom? Yes, both at the entrance and on top of the hill.
Is the door wide enough for a wheelchair? Yes
Are there grab bars? Yes
Is there a space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet? Yes

Are there guided tours that don’t have to go up steps? No

Does advance notice need to be given for…
…handicapped parking? No
…opening of an accessible entrance? No
…loaner wheelchairs? No
…accessible tours? No guided tours

Cobblestones leaving the Acropolis.

Is there a discount for someone with a disability and/or their companion? Yes, free for people with special needs

Opening Hours: 8-19:30
How many hours do most able-bodied tourists spend there on their first visit? 45 min

Address:
Telephone: 210-321-4172 or 210-321-4173
Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp? obj_id=2384 , http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp? obj_id=2384
Email: aepka@culture.gr

Aerial view of the Acropolis facing east.
All the labed roads on the bottom of this picture have 2 star smooth cobblestones.
Picture showing the path from the taxi drop-off at the gate to the elevator.

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