Hadrian's Arch, Athens
Resembling a triumphal arch, this monumental gateway was built to celebrate the arrival of Roman Emperor Hadrian and pay tribute to his many benefactions to the city. It serves as a symbolic passage between the ancient part of Athens and the newly developed district, largely conceived during Hadrian's rule, which extended until the year 138 A.D. Hadrian was a great admirer of classical Greek literature, philosophy, and arts. During his reign, he generously sponsored several significant projects in Athens, including Hadrian's Library, the Hadrianic Aqueduct, and the completion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, among others.
The entire structure dedicated to honoring Hadrian is constructed from marble quarried from Mount Pentelicus, located 18 kilometers away. In terms of design, it is fully symmetrical, both from the front and the sides; however, while the lower section draws inspiration from similar Roman arches, the upper part is typical of Greek ones. Inscriptions etched into the monument's surfaces celebrate the new Roman era: the northwest frieze bears the inscription, 'This is Athens, the Ancient city of Theseus,' whereas the southeast frieze declares, 'This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus.'
Why You Should Visit:
One of the most important Roman monuments surviving in Athens, providing an opportunity to gain insights into the relationship between the Roman Empire and its province of Achaea, conquered by the Romans in the year 146 BC.
Tip:
While the monument can be admired from a distance during a stroll through Athens, for a closer view, you may opt to purchase a ticket for the Temple of Olympian Zeus or a combination ticket providing access to the city's major archaeological sites.
The entire structure dedicated to honoring Hadrian is constructed from marble quarried from Mount Pentelicus, located 18 kilometers away. In terms of design, it is fully symmetrical, both from the front and the sides; however, while the lower section draws inspiration from similar Roman arches, the upper part is typical of Greek ones. Inscriptions etched into the monument's surfaces celebrate the new Roman era: the northwest frieze bears the inscription, 'This is Athens, the Ancient city of Theseus,' whereas the southeast frieze declares, 'This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus.'
Why You Should Visit:
One of the most important Roman monuments surviving in Athens, providing an opportunity to gain insights into the relationship between the Roman Empire and its province of Achaea, conquered by the Romans in the year 146 BC.
Tip:
While the monument can be admired from a distance during a stroll through Athens, for a closer view, you may opt to purchase a ticket for the Temple of Olympian Zeus or a combination ticket providing access to the city's major archaeological sites.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hadrian's Arch on Map
Sight Name: Hadrian's Arch
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatzíki, dolmádes, kalamarákia) can constitute a full meal. Greece’s most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto’s queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The “neighborhood of the Gods”, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
Just as many things in Greece, dining in Athens is very much laid-back with the majority of local eateries seeing patrons begin to congregate for dinner only after 8 pm. Eating-wise, the Athenians favor simplicity, leaning to the more casual and not so pricey tavernas where food is plentiful. To...
15 Best Cafes in Athens
While in Athens it is immediately noticeable that the local cafe culture thriving. Through this directory you will get a chance to visit very different establishments, ranging from "kafenia", to hip, modern coffee shops and get first hand experience of the diversity of contemporary Greek...
Souvenirs Shopping: 19 Uniquely Greek Products to Bring from Athens
A cradle of European civilization, Greece, in general, and Athens, in particular, have long been - from the days of the Roman Empire up until present - the lure for travelers and history buffs seeking to find and bring home something memorable. Today's Athens (much as its ancient self) offers a...