Walk among the remains of what was once the grandest temple in Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. Admire the 15 surviving Corinthian columns, each standing 17 meters (56 feet) tall, and imagine the awe-inspiring sight of all 104 columns when the temple was fully intact.
Step into a 700-year construction story and uncover the fascinating history behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Just outside the temple, don’t miss the Arch of Hadrian, a monumental gateway that symbolically separates the “old city” of Theseus from the “new city” of Hadrian, highlighting the Roman influence on Athens.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Benefit: Single Entry
Regular Price: Adult SAR 89.20; Child SAR 44.60
FAVOURITE
Attraction Highlights
- Explore Greece’s Grandest Temple – Walk among the ruins of the majestic Temple of Zeus, once the most magnificent in Greece.
- Marvel at Towering Corinthian Columns – Stand beneath the 17-meter-tall surviving columns and imagine the original 104 in their full glory.
- Uncover a 700-Year Construction Story – Learn about the temple’s long and fascinating history.
- Visit the Iconic Arch of Hadrian – See the monumental gateway that symbolically divided ancient Athens into old and new.
Benefit:
Single Entry
Important Notes
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and loose fitted clothing are strongly recommended.
| Address | Athens 105 57, Greece |
| Collection Information | Note: You must be within a 200m radius of this attraction to be able to make a booking.
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| Phone | (+30)2109233166 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Work Hours | 1 April - 31 October 08:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:30). 1 November - 31 March 08:00 - 15:00 (last admission 14:30). Note: Opening times may be later at certain times of the year depending on the sunset - please check the attraction's official timetable for the latest information. |
| Closed Days | 1 January. 25 March. 1 May. Greek Easter. 25 & 26 December. Note: Closure dates are subject to change - please check with the attraction for the latest information. |
| Website | http://odysseus.culture.gr |
What to expect
Things to look out for
The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is one of the most awe-inspiring remnants of ancient Greece, symbolizing both the grandeur and ambition of classical architecture. Construction of the temple began in the 6th century BC during the rule of Peisistratos but was left unfinished for centuries due to political changes and financial difficulties. It wasn’t until the 2nd century AD, under the Roman Emperor Hadrian, that the temple was finally completed - nearly 700 years after it was first conceived.
Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, the temple was once the largest in Greece, surpassing even the Parthenon in scale. It originally housed a massive chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Zeus, and Hadrian himself commissioned a colossal statue of himself nearby, showcasing his admiration for Greek culture and his self-styled role as a new Zeus.
At its peak, the temple featured 104 colossal Corinthian columns, each standing 17 meters (56 feet) tall. Today, only 15 of these towering columns remain, with one having fallen during a storm in the 19th century. Despite its partial ruin, the temple remains an iconic landmark, standing against the backdrop of modern Athens with the Acropolis in view.
The Arch of Hadrian, located just outside the temple, serves as a symbolic gateway between the old and new Athens. Built in 131 AD, the arch bears an inscription distinguishing the ancient city of Theseus from the Roman city of Hadrian. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is not just an architectural marvel but also a testament to the shifting powers and cultural exchanges between the ancient Greeks and the Romans, making it one of the most fascinating sites in Athens.
Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, the temple was once the largest in Greece, surpassing even the Parthenon in scale. It originally housed a massive chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Zeus, and Hadrian himself commissioned a colossal statue of himself nearby, showcasing his admiration for Greek culture and his self-styled role as a new Zeus.
At its peak, the temple featured 104 colossal Corinthian columns, each standing 17 meters (56 feet) tall. Today, only 15 of these towering columns remain, with one having fallen during a storm in the 19th century. Despite its partial ruin, the temple remains an iconic landmark, standing against the backdrop of modern Athens with the Acropolis in view.
The Arch of Hadrian, located just outside the temple, serves as a symbolic gateway between the old and new Athens. Built in 131 AD, the arch bears an inscription distinguishing the ancient city of Theseus from the Roman city of Hadrian. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is not just an architectural marvel but also a testament to the shifting powers and cultural exchanges between the ancient Greeks and the Romans, making it one of the most fascinating sites in Athens.
Helpful Tips
Important Notes
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and loose fitted clothing are strongly recommended.
| Address | Athens 105 57, Greece |
| Phone | (+30)2109233166 |
| Work Hours | 1 April - 31 October 08:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:30). 1 November - 31 March 08:00 - 15:00 (last admission 14:30). Note: Opening times may be later at certain times of the year depending on the sunset - please check the attraction's official timetable for the latest information. |
| Closed Days | 1 January. 25 March. 1 May. Greek Easter. 25 & 26 December. Note: Closure dates are subject to change - please check with the attraction for the latest information. |
| Website | http://odysseus.culture.gr |
