Sacred Spring
The Sacred Spring and ancient steps to the Acropolis
Wear pattern of grooves from ropes
The Sacred Spring provided access to a subterranean fissure in the bedrock that was 4 m deep. It was in use by the 3rd century BC and served the sanctuary of Asklepios.
In Roman times, the spring was rebuilt with a frontal parapet wall in marble and realigned in the direction of the Forum. Deep grooves can be seen along the top of the marble parapet wall, formed over centuries of use, from ropes rubbing against the stone as water was drawn from it.