Acropolis means 'upper city', and refers to the outcrop of rock that rises above the city around which Athens was founded and later flourished.

There are several buildings on top of the Acropolis. All were part of a building boom instigated by Pericles in the 5th century BC. The finest of these is the Parthenon. The city's greatest sculptors worked on the building, achieving a consistently pleasing whole under the guidance of the greatest sculptor of them all, Pheidias. Despite the apparent geometrical symmetry, there are no straight lines in the Parthenon's construction, as all its floors, columns and friezes taper very subtly to create a visual harmony. It is built of a marble which contains some iron, and this contributes to the stunning golden glow that the building develops in a good sunset. It is also a thrilling sight at night, when it is illuminated.