Temple of Olympian Zeus

Temple of Olympian Zeus

 

 

 

 

This temple was once the largest in the Ancient world. Only 15 columns remain of the original 104, but the site is still impressive. It took over 6 centuries to complete this temple!!! King Antiochus the 4th (the one known to us from the story of Chanukah) sent money to complete the construction in 2nd century BC but it was Hadrian who finally completed and dedicated the temple in 131 AD. Right next to the temple (outside the fence, off Amalias St.) is Hadrian’s arch, and arch that the Athenians built to thank the emperor for all his investments in Athens. The arch marked the limit between ancient Athens and the new Roman Athens. On one side, it says: “This is the ancient city of Thiseas” and the other says “this is the city of Hadrian and not of Thiseas”.

From there you can visit Plaka, or go up towards Syntagma Square.

Practical info:

Address: Vas Olgas St.
Phone: +30 210 9226330
Web: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh2530.jsp?obj_id=12863
Opening hours: 8:00- 15:00
Entrance fee: 2 euros (reduced: 1 euro)

 

How to get there?

The site is easily seen from the main road of Amalias, the one that leads to Syntagma Square. Entrance is from Vas. Olgas st.

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