Question about disabled access to the acropolis

[tartanexile81]

The last time we were in Athens my husband couldn't get up the steps to the Acroplis as it was VERY hot and he has a problem with his breathing anyway which was made worse by the heat. Has anybody used the elevator and if so did you have to show a letter from your doctor - something I've read on another forum.

[TLCOhio]

The last time we were in Athens my husband couldn't get up the steps to the Acroplis as it was VERY hot and he has a problem with his breathing anyway which was made worse by the heat. Has anybody used the elevator and if so did you have to show a letter from your doctor - something I've read on another forum.

 

There have been earlier posts on this question. You can do a search on this board and/or go to this earlier posting:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1033039&highlight=elevator

 

It takes effort, but being on this spectacular site is well worth the effort, battling the crowds, etc. See our examples below from our visit there. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Enjoying a bright, sunny day in front of the famed Parthenon:

 

 

 

Outdoor theatre adjoining the Parthenon:

 

 

 

On Acropolis hill with our very knowledgeable private guide who helps us appreciate all of the history and architectural details there:

 

[Freckles_51]

The last time we were in Athens my husband couldn't get up the steps to the Acroplis as it was VERY hot and he has a problem with his breathing anyway which was made worse by the heat. Has anybody used the elevator and if so did you have to show a letter from your doctor - something I've read on another forum.

 

I read the same on the Athens Walking Tour web site:

 

"Only People on wheel chair; their escort; or with a certificate from their doctor can use it ."

[tartanexile81]

Thanks for the info. I'd read some of the replies but I really wanted to know what 'evidence' they would ask for as my husband is not in a wheelchair so does not have an obvious disability but has a lung condition which means he cannot go up the steps. What is meant by a 'certificate'?

[Freckles_51]

What is meant by a 'certificate'?

 

Sorry, I don't know :confused:

Maybe a letter which has the doctor's letterhead and with his signature will be enough?

[partymaker]

I have read that you need a Dr. letter on a perscription pad or Dr. letterhead. We will be in Athens next week and I planned to get such a note..........until I saw a picture of the elevator....it looks like a glass box on the side of a mountain, only room for one person and reports say it gets stuck often.

NOT FOR ME....I will see it in pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ny4cruise]

Free entrance for the disabled person on the wheelchair and one escort. We were told that it's very safe.

[Vrilissia]

At the Acropolis go to the exit to the left of the main entrance (there's a tiny sign AMEA with a wheelchair motif) explain your husbands condition they may let you use the elevator. A letter from your Doctor will help matters.

 

Failing that try asking for assistance from a Tour Guide, a little hut to the right of the entrance, if you take a tour with one of them about 60-100 Euros they will facilitate your using the elevator!

 

The elevator itself is very safe and is open on 2 sides with a wire mesh door to allow entering and exit. It will hold 2 wheelchairs and 4 persons at a time.

The breakdowns mentioned are for the ramp that goes up 20 steps to the elevator, it can only take 100-150 kgs total, over that and it gets stuck on a step and burns out the fuse. Which is quickly solved in Greek time meaning an hour or so ;)

 

Otherwise use an accessible minibus with a good English speaking driver/guide they will certainly make sure you are able to use the elevator its their job to help! They will also take you right up to the entrance instead of leaving you in the car park a good 15 minute hike uphill!

 

Hope you have a great time in Athens :D

[tartanexile81]

Thanks Vrilissia. That's very helpful!

[milndan]

We were just in Athens last month and did use the elevator that takes you to the top of the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. I actually was in a wheel chair and no one asked to see any doctors notes. We were on a tour with Jordan Taxi (an excellent Tour company that I hightly suggest) and they made the arrangements for me to use the elevator. The people at the Acropolis didn't ask to see any medical documentation of any kind when we arrived. They just took me and my husband up in the tiny elevator. In fact, there was another person with a cane and his excort that rode up after me and I didn't see them show any papers either. I can't verify whether you need a doctor's letter or not for sure, but they didn't ask me or that other person for one. The tour company may have made their arrangements too or maybe they just asked.

 

It's a pretty tight squeeze and fits only the wheel chair with it's passenger and one other person. There is an attendant that puts you in the elevator and locks the door at the bottom and another one on top to let you out and vice versa when you are ready to go back down. It was actually a pretty smooth and easy ride for me. It's a small cage type box that goes strait up the side of the Acropolis so you can't be afraid of heights or tight spaces. You can see out through the cage, hence the warning about heights. I've attached a couple of photos to show you.

 

Hopes this help anyone who needs to know.

[mapleleaves]

How nice of you to return and post your experience! Thank you! When I saw the access for myself I thought it might be a scarey and bumpy ride.

I guess it's best to have a dr note and be prepared, just in case.

[ThursdaysChild]

I'm 59, and have COPD and emphysema which makes climbing difficult. Even walking in LasVegas is difficult until I adjust to the 2000' change in altitude from home! Nonetheless, when I was in Athens the first week of November '09, and saw that it was a climb, I decided to give it a try. True, I only walked 25'-35' at times before stopping to catch my breath, and the climb took quite a while, but it was worth every bit of effort and I am glad that I did. Coming down was easier, but I still took it easy and stopped frequently, and perhaps saw more than those who rushed past me to go up or leave.