About this Activity
Walk among the remains of what was once the grandest temple in Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. Admire the 15 surviving Corinthian columns, each standing 17 meters (56 feet) tall, and imagine the awe-inspiring sight of all 104 columns when the temple was fully intact.
Step into a 700-year construction story and uncover the fascinating history behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Just outside the temple, don’t miss the Arch of Hadrian, a monumental gateway that symbolically separates the “old city” of Theseus from the “new city” of Hadrian, highlighting the Roman influence on Athens.
Address
Athens 105 57, Greece
Collection
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and loose fit clothing are strongly recommended.
For children aged 0-18 years old and for EU citizens aged less than 25 years old, you can visit the official website and prebook a free admission ticket (ID-Passports are required).
Opening Hours
1 April - 31 October
08:00 - 18:00 (Last Admission 17:30)
1 November - 31 March
08:00 - 15:00 (Last Admission 14:30)
Note: Opening times may be later at certain times of the year depending on the sunset - please check the attraction's official timetable for the latest information.
Closed
Please Note: You can only book a ticket to this attraction a maximum of 5 hours before your visit and within 5km of the attraction itself. There is generally always availability for the next hour’s timeslot, so you should not have to wait long to enter.
To access your ticket, please follow these steps:
1. Tap 'Redeem' and select your desired pass.
2. Pick a date and time in the booking calendar and confirm your reservation.
3. Tap 'View Tickets Now', or open the Tickets tab of the app. Show the QR code at the entrance.
It may take a few moments for your ticket to display immediately after booking.
What To Expect
The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is one of the most awe-inspiring remnants of ancient Greece, symbolizing both the grandeur and ambition of classical architecture. Construction of the temple began in the 6th century BC during the rule of Peisistratos but was left unfinished for centuries due to political changes and financial difficulties. It wasn’t until the 2nd century AD, under the Roman Emperor Hadrian, that the temple was finally completed - nearly 700 years after it was first conceived.
Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, the temple was once the largest in Greece, surpassing even the Parthenon in scale. It originally housed a massive chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Zeus, and Hadrian himself commissioned a colossal statue of himself nearby, showcasing his admiration for Greek culture and his self-styled role as a new Zeus.
At its peak, the temple featured 104 colossal Corinthian columns, each standing 17 meters (56 feet) tall. Today, only 15 of these towering columns remain, with one having fallen during a storm in the 19th century. Despite its partial ruin, the temple remains an iconic landmark, standing against the backdrop of modern Athens with the Acropolis in view.
The Arch of Hadrian, located just outside the temple, serves as a symbolic gateway between the old and new Athens. Built in 131 AD, the arch bears an inscription distinguishing the ancient city of Theseus from the Roman city of Hadrian. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is not just an architectural marvel but also a testament to the shifting powers and cultural exchanges between the ancient Greeks and the Romans, making it one of the most fascinating sites in Athens.