Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in a gale in 1852. Hadrian put a colossal statue of Zeus in the cella and, in typically im-
modest fashion, placed an equally large one of himself next to it.
Hadrian's Arch
MONUMENT
(cnr Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas & Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias; Syntagma)
The Roman
emperor Hadrian had a great affection for Athens. Although he did his fair share of spir-
iting its classical artwork to Rome, he also embellished the city with many monuments
influenced by classical architecture. His arch is a lofty monument of Pentelic marble that
stands where busy Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas and Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias meet. Had-
rian erected it in AD 132, probably to commemorate the consecration of the Temple of
Olympian Zeus.
The inscriptions show that it was also intended as a dividing point between the ancient
and Roman city. The northwest frieze reads, 'This is Athens, the Ancient city of
Theseus', while the southeast frieze states, 'This is the city of Hadrian, and not of
Theseus'.
Panathenaic Stadium
HISTORIC SITE
( 210 752 2984;
www.panathenaicstadium.gr
; Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou, Pangrati; adult/
child €3/1.50; 8am-7pm, reduced hr in low season; Akropoli)
The grand Panathenaic Sta-
dium lies between two pine-covered hills between the neighbourhoods of Mets and Pan-
grati. It was originally built in the 4th century BC as a venue for the Panathenaic athletic
contests. It's said that at Hadrian's inauguration in AD 120, 1000 wild animals were sac-
rificed in the arena. Later, the seats were rebuilt in Pentelic marble by Herodes Atticus.
After hundreds of years of disuse, the stadium was completely restored in 1895 by
wealthy Greek benefactor Georgios Averof to host the first modern Olympic Games the
following year. It's a faithful replica of the original Panathenaic Stadium, comprising
seats of Pentelic marble for 70,000 spectators, a running track and a central area for field
events. It made a stunning backdrop to the archery competition and the marathon finish
during the 2004 Olympics. It's occasionally used for concerts and public events, and the
annual Athens marathon finishes here.
