Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Zeus

Here you will find out whose city Athens is: Perseus or Hadrian; or why Zeus is Olympic!

An unknown customer knew well the emperor's taste. The arch is 18 meters high and is decorated on the sides and in the opening with pilasters. The upper part is represented by Coryphinian columns and a triangular pediment. The majestic monument of antiquity is invariably caught in the lenses of tourists.

Temple of Zeus the Olympic

Hadrian's Arch nominally separates the oldest district of Athens (Plaka) from the Olimpion. This is the second name of the grandiose Temple of Zeus the Olympic. It is located on a sacred site, which the Greeks called "temenos. According to legend, in ancient times there was a sanctuary for Deucalion, the son of Prometheus and Pandora. He is considered the forefather of all Greek people. Perhaps that's why there is always a special sacred atmosphere here.

The temple of Zeus the Olympic consisted of more than a hundred seventeen-meter columns. Like Hadrian's Arch, it was built of the best marble of the sacred mountain Pantelous. But time and the forces of nature do not spare even such great masterpieces of ancient art. By now, only one corner remains. But even this is enough to feel the spirit and the former greatness of Hellas. It is hard to believe that this structure was built without the use of machines. The temple is no less admirable than the ancient Egyptian pyramids. Even if you look at it from afar, you can be convinced of this.

The structure is made in the elegant Corinthian style, which is distinguished by the richness of decoration and design. The capitals, crowning the columns, are decorated with stylized acanthus leaves. According to tradition, this plant symbolizes the triumph and immortality of the soul. Numerous sculptures were installed in the temple itself. The largest of them statues (Zeus and Hadrian) were covered with gold and ivory. But they have not survived until today. It is presumed that earthquakes were the cause of their destruction.

The Temple of Zeus the Olympic is clearly visible from the eastern edge of the Acropolis. Especially spectacular it looks in the dark time of day, when it turns on a decorative lighting. The site of the temple complex has stunning views of Athens. It is surrounded by slender trees and rich vegetation. The panoramas against the backdrop of the huge columns are vast and truly impressive.