I am of the understanding that there is a paid way by which my wife and I could get to the top of Acropolis, outside of the elevator for those in wheelchairs. If so, what is the cost and where might we find such a transport mechanism?
Daryl
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3400 posts
No Daryl. The ancient Greek approach to worship was to go to a high (acro) place, and everybody, young & old, had to climb. Of course in ancient times the wealthy could have their slaves carry them in "sedan chairs" (those compartments on 2 long poles, borne on shoulders). These were also used in Britain in 1700s on the hills of Bath. No such provision today, no matter how much you are willing/able to pay, as far as I know. I'm waaay old and have a bum knee, but I wear an Ace knee elastic & use a "trekking pole." BTW, when u say "I am of the understanding", it sounds as if you heard this directly from someone. Am curious as to where you could have picked up this info… I've visited Athens maybe 20 times, haven't run across it. Is it something new??
If not wheelchair-bound but have truly serious mobility issues such as knee/hip replacements & need to use 2 canes, sometimes the lift is made available, but you need to apply far in advance and get written confirmation of acceptance (even then it is wise to recheck the day before/day of, because I've heard examples where lift operator isn't available suddenly). Here's a Trip Advisor thread about this: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189400-i194-k5183491-Climbing_the_Acropolis-Athens_Attica.html
If it's just a matter of Arthritis & discomfort, lift will not be available to you.
Posted by
18 posts
We are going in the fall to Greece and so I have been reading my RS guidebook to get prepared, and I believe you are correct that there is an elevator now to get up to the Acropolis. Page 118.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3400 posts
As I said in my original post, Hamish, unless you are IN a wheelchair, or have serious walking handicaps (use of crutches, feet or leg in casts), normally the elevator (I used the word "lift") is not available to you. Even if you are chair bound or crutch-using, you cannot just "walk around the corner." As Athens friends of mine have warned on Trip Advisor (I provided a thread), unless you make advance arrangements, the lift is not manned. And even with advance arrangements by e-mail in hand, it is wise to telephone the day before just to make sure that someone will be on hand to run the elevator. Others have taken it for granted and been disappointed. Rick's guidebook is too optimistic.
Posted by
OP
Gainesville, FL, USA
7 posts
On May 18, 2014, there were taxi's that picked up people at the bus/car stopping area and took passengers up to the ticket area, which is only about a 50' gain along a very nice path. I cannot imagine why someone would do this since the remaining climb is about 150' (maximum) and is a bit challenging, indeed. We have some physical difficulties but were able to tour the site, being a bit cautious. The climb indeed is rough and the surfaces are variable, so if you have any reservations I would encourage obtaining descriptive information before embarking.