Hotels near Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch

The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympion) was the largest temple in Greece - construction began in 6th century BC under Peisistratus and finished 638 years later in AD 131 by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Originally 104 Corinthian columns of Pentelic marble, 17 metres tall; today only 15 stand, plus one collapsed in a 1852 storm. The colossal scale dwarfs everything around it.

The adjacent Hadrian's Arch (AD 131) marked the boundary between the old Greek city and Hadrian's new Roman district. The west face inscription reads 'This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus'; the east face 'This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus'. Entry to the temple is EUR 8 (or included in the Combined Ticket); the Arch is free outside.

Pro Tip: The Temple of Olympian Zeus is best photographed from outside the fence on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue - the columns frame the Acropolis behind. Five minutes is enough inside; the real view is from the road.