My family is traveling to Athens in three weeks and we are planning to visit the Acropolis. My daughter has a serious illness that affects her heart and lungs. It is not a "visible" disability and on the outside she looks like a typical teenager, but climbing a lot of stairs can be very difficult particularly in the heat. How strenuous are the steps up the Acropolis? I have seen there is an elevator for disabled access that may be a possibility for her to use. Does anyone know what kind of documentation we would need to bring to prove her disability?
Thanks!
Posted by
4473 posts
If the weather is not scorching, it should be okay--the line moves slowly. It is not super steep, and there is time to rest as you ascend. So it really just depends on her condition.
The official website does not specify documentation, but does recommend a phone call:
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2384
Amenities for the physically challenged
Urgent notice:
The restrooms for people with disabilities at the Acropolis archaeological site will remain closed from 11-09-2023 to 20-09-2023 due to their renovation in the framework of the project "Reopening of the Old Acropolis Museum with new uses".
Thank you for the understanding.
The Ephorate informs you that on Monday 20.06.2022, from 07:00 to 11:00, the elevator of the Acropolis Archaeological Site will be out of service for technical reasons (standard operating check). In addition, similar work will take place every second Monday. Therefore, the lift will be out of service at these dates.
Thank you for your understanding.
Elevator available for wheelchairs, people with diminished abilities, and any parent attending two or more infants on her/his own. The elevator is located at about 350 m. far from the main entrance of the archaeological site.
Users of the elevator should contact in advance for details and terms (+30 210 3214172, +30 210 9238470). The facility is not available during extreme weather conditions and strong winds.
The Site is partially accessible for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. You can see the accessible passage for people with disabilities at: http://theheartofancientathens.gr/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Efaath_Acropolis_accessibility.jpg
Posted by
Central Florida Coast. (Melbourne)
80 posts
The trip up to the acropolis may be difficult for someone who is cardiovascular compromised but depending on your daughters condition it may be doable if you take it slowly and go early.
Know that it isn't just the steps up to the Acropolis itself, I would agree those aren't too bad, but first you need to get up to the base past the ticket office gates. Depending on the direction you are coming from (Plaka side or the other side where the Acropolis Museum is located) there will be a fairly long walk up an incline, then steps to get up to where the entry gates are located. Then there will be steps and pathway to get to the top.
I would suggest is going early when it is the coolest and then taking it slow stopping incrementally when you can.
There is an elevator that I've read is available to people with disabilities, although when I was there a couple weeks ago I didn't see it being used (I think it is also used mainly for construction/maint crews), and you will still need to the base of that which is on a different path. I would definitely investigate this aspect as it will likely be your her most comfortable option.
Also it might be good to take one of the hop on/off buses or a taxi which gets you up to the point where you have to start climbing up to get to ticket office/gates.
I wish you luck and hope you have a good time :)
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you both for your responses. I will give them a call and inquire about the elevator to see if that is an option.
Posted by
Vermont, USA
697 posts
We were in Athens last summer and visited the Acropolis with my son, who is visibly disabled and uses a special needs stroller. He and my husband utilized the elevator to go up and down. The people running the elevator were very kind and accommodating. Perhaps a letter from your daughter's physician explaining her limitations might help? Especially if you had it translated into Greek?
We had hired a private guide for our visit, and she was pretty excited that the elevator was working that day. Apparently, the day before it had worked in the morning but not later in the day, stranding people at the top (she had no idea how they eventually got down). She told us that it breaks down a lot and is very unpredictable, so take that into account for your plans.
I hope you have a wonderful trip!