April Destinations: Hadrian's Arch and the Ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens

Hadrian's Arch is located 325 meters southeast of the Acropolis in Athens, spanning the ancient road that leads to the Temple of Olympian Zeus on the eastern side of the city center. Built between 131 and 132 AD, the arch was erected to commemorate Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit and his funding of the temple's construction. Inscriptions in Greek and Latin are engraved on its eastern and western sides, symbolizing the boundary between the old city of Athens and Hadrian's new district. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is just 200 meters away from the arch. Once the largest temple in ancient Greece, it was dedicated to a golden statue of Zeus. However, after being burned by invaders in 267 AD, the temple fell into disrepair, and its stones were repurposed for other constructions. Today, only 15 Corinthian-style columns remain, each standing 17 meters tall, forming a landmark alongside Hadrian's Arch in Athens.