Arch of Hadrian, Athens

Name: Arch of Hadrian
Address: Λεωφ. Βασιλίσσης Αμαλίας, Athens, 105 58, Greece

#19 among attractions in Athens

Arch, Monuments and statues, Historical place

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jan M / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Butko / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Butko / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Butko / URL

Facts and practical information

The Arch of Hadrian, an emblematic monument of ancient architecture, stands as a historical gateway in the heart of Athens, Greece. Erected in the 2nd century AD, this arch was constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian, a benefactor and admirer of the city. The structure, made of Pentelic marble, marks the symbolic boundary between the ancient city and the Roman district of Athens.

Standing at approximately 18 meters in height, the Arch of Hadrian features two inscriptions, one on each side. The side facing the Acropolis reads, "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus," while the opposite side, facing the direction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, declares, "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus." This duality reflects the blend of Greek and Roman cultures during Hadrian's reign.

The architectural design of the arch is a mix of Corinthian and Composite order, featuring columns and pilasters that exhibit the intricate craftsmanship of the time. The Arch of Hadrian was strategically placed on an ancient street that led from the center of Athens to the complex of structures around the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus, which Hadrian completed.

Today, the Arch of Hadrian is a prominent tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Athens. It is situated near other significant historical sites, including the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, making it a must-see for those exploring the city's storied past.

Local name: Πύλη του Αδριανού Built: 131 A.D.Architectural style: Ancient Roman architectureCoordinates: 37°58'13"N, 23°43'55"E

Address

Λεωφ. Βασιλίσσης ΑμαλίαςΑθήνα 1 (Μακρυγιάννη)Athens 105 58 Greece

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Athens

Day trips

Arch of Hadrian – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Acropolis Museum, Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Bema of Phaidros.

~1180 ftSW
Museum, Archaeological museum, History museum
Acropolis Museum, Athens
6 min walk • The Acropolis Museum, nestled at the foot of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a modern architectural marvel that houses some of the most significant artifacts of Greek antiquity. Since its opening in 2009, the museum has become an essential destination for...
~1290 ftW
Memorial
Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos, Athens
7 min walk • Perched on the south slope of the Acropolis in Athens, the Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece. This prominent structure was erected in 320-319 BCE by Thrasyllos, a wealthy Athenian citizen, to commemorate a...
~230 ftSW
Ruined temple completed under Hadrian
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
2 min walk • The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, stands as a colossal tribute to ancient Greek architecture in the heart of Athens, Greece. Once one of the largest temples in the ancient world, its construction spanned several centuries, beginning in the 6th...
~1210 ftW
Monuments and statues
Bema of Phaidros, Athens
6 min walk • The Bema of Phaidros is an often-overlooked historical gem nestled within the bustling city of Athens, Greece. This ancient podium, also known as the Bema of Phaedrus, is a significant archeological site that offers insight into the city's rich cultural and political...
~1430 ftE
Grand 1880s hall with Olympic history
Zappeion, Athens
7 min walk • The Zappeion is a grandiose neoclassical building nestled in the heart of Athens, Greece, surrounded by the lush greenery of the National Gardens. This historic edifice, completed in 1888, was designed by the celebrated Danish architect Theophil Hansen and stands as a...
~690 ftNW
Landmark monument in a small square
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, Athens
4 min walk • The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates near the Acropolis of Athens was erected by the choregos Lysicrates, a wealthy patron of musical performances in the Theater of Dionysus, to commemorate the prize in the dithyramb contest of the City Dionysia in 335/334 BCE, of which performance he was liturgist.
~840 ftW
Ancient tiered performance arena
Theatre of Dionysus, Athens
5 min walk • The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus.
~1270 ftW
Archaeological site
Pandion, Athens
7 min walk • The Sanctuary of Pandion is the name sometimes given to the remains of a building located in the south-east corner of the Acropolis of Athens. Its foundations were found during the excavations for the construction of the Old Acropolis Museum.
~950 ftW
Ancient Greek architecture, Archaeological site
Odeon of Athens, Athens
5 min walk • The Odeon of Athens or Odeon of Pericles in Athens was a 4,000 m2 odeon, built at the southeastern foot of the Acropolis in Athens, next to the entrance to the Theatre of Dionysus.
~1140 ftW
Monuments and statues
Kritios Boy, Athens
6 min walk • The marble Kritios Boy or Kritian Boy belongs to the Early Classical period of ancient Greek sculpture.
~1040 ftN
Greek Jewish historical artifacts museum
Jewish Museum of Greece, Athens
6 min walk • The Jewish Museum of Greece is a museum in Athens, Greece. It was established by Nicholas Stavroulakis in 1977 to preserve the material culture of the Greek Jews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Arch of Hadrian?

Nearby attractions include Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens (2 min walk), Onassis Library, Athens (2 min walk), Synagogue in the Agora of Athens, Athens (3 min walk), Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, Athens (4 min walk).

How to get to Arch of Hadrian by public transport?

The nearest stations to Arch of Hadrian:

Trolleybus

Αγαλμα Βυρωνοσ • Lines: 11, 2, 4 (3 min walk)
Συγγρου • Lines: 11, 2, 4 (4 min walk)

Bus

Αγαλμα Βυρωνοσ • Lines: 209 (3 min walk)
Μακρυγιαννη • Lines: 040 Συνταγμα - Πειραιασ, 227, 790, Α2, Α3 (5 min walk)

Metro

Akropoli • Lines: Μ2 (5 min walk)
Syntagma • Lines: Μ2, Μ3 (11 min walk)

Tram

Βουλιαγμένης • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (7 min walk)
Ζαππειο • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (7 min walk)

Train

Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Lower Station (25 min walk)
Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Top Station (27 min walk)