The Temple of Olympian Zeus: A Monumental Ancient Wonder in Athens

Name: Temple of Olympian Zeus
Address: Athens, 105 57, GR
Rating: 4.5

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The Temple of Olympian Zeus: A Monumental Ancient Wonder in Athens

Overview

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, located in Athens, is a breathtaking remnant of ancient Greek architecture, dating back to construction that began in 515 BC. This impressive temple dedicated to Zeus was the largest in Greece, completed during the 2nd century AD under the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The structure has a storied past filled with interruptions and has witnessed numerous historical events. Currently, visitors can marvel at 15 of the original columns, each standing 17.25 meters tall, 2 meters in diameter, and admire the stonework made from marble imported from Mount Pentelus. Just a stone's throw away lies the Arch of Hadrian, a spectacular 18-meter high arch built in 131 AD. The site offers an intriguing glimpse into the ancient world, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Reviews

Maria Papadopoulos

Greece

Amazing site. We had a fantastic time exploring and examining the area closely. We also looked for a 3D model online to gain a clearer understanding. TIP: This location provides one of the finest views of the Acropolis, in my opinion. Advice: It's definitely wise to purchase the comprehensive ticket that includes this site. It covers a total of 7 must-see attractions for €30, all easily reachable by foot.

Li Wei

China

The ruins are magnificent, it's hard to envision how glorious the temple would be if it were fully intact. The site is much larger than it appears, requiring some time and energy to fully explore. Unfortunately, there was renovation work happening during my visit, and the main parts of the ruins were covered by scaffolding. Additionally, the optimal view of the ruins was blocked off due to the construction, which is disappointing if you're hoping to take photos.

John Smith

United States

I'm sure the monument is usually stunning, but currently, many of the columns are hidden behind scaffolding, and those visible can be seen just as easily from outside the paid area. It's frankly ridiculous that they're charging €8 to enter when you can get a good view without paying.

Anita Gupta

India

Visited recently in late October. Even though only a few columns remain, this site is worth the trip. It's part of the combined ticket deal. It's impressive to think about the skills involved in building such structures. I returned a few days later at night, and although it was closed, I could still see from outside the perimeter fence.

Erik Johansson

Sweden

It was satisfactory, but primarily just a large open area with several impressive columns and some remnants of ruins. It's suited for archaeology enthusiasts, but the average visitor can get a decent view from the fence near Hadrian's Arch.