Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS
The majestic temple to the ruler of the pantheon was the largest on main-
land Greece. Inside stood two colossal gold and ivory statues: one of the god,
and one of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Though the temple's construction
began in 515 BC, political turmoil delayed its completion nearly 700 years.
To thank Hadrian for finishing it, in AD 131 the Athenians built a two-storey
arch next to the temple, whose inscription announces Hadrian's claim on
the city.
Vas. Olgas at Amalias • 210 922 6330 •
www.culture.gr
•
8am-3pm daily • Times are subject to change, call ahead to confirm • Adm
€2, or included with €12 Acropolis ticket
Google Map
1. TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS
Zeus had long been worshipped on this site, and there was at least one other temple
to him before this one. Sixteen magnificent columns survive from the original 104.
Remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
2. HADRIAN'S ARCH
Emperor Hadrian had the west side of this arch inscribed “This is Athens, the ancient
city of Theseus”, and the east side “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”,
distinguishing the cities of ancient legend and modern reality.
View photo
3. RUINS OF HOUSES
Ancient pipes, foundations and domestic objects show that people lived and built
houses here between the 5th century BC and 2nd century AD - the whole time it took
to build the temple.
4. THEMISTOKLEAN GATES
Around the site are remains of the wall built by political leader Themistokles in 479
BC, to defend Athens from continuing onslaughts by the Persians.
