Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Monumental gateway
Time required: 10 minutes
Public transport:
- Red Metro Line: Akropoli station
Address: Leoforos Amalias Street, Athens
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: tiseb
Things you need to know:
- Hadrian's Arch is a monumental gateway southeast of the Acropolis. It reminds of a Roman triumphal arch
- The arch stood on a road that connected Athens' city center and the site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Citizens of Athens built the arch to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian for his many benefactions to Athens (e.g. finishing Temple of Olympian Zeus)
- The monument was erected in 132 AD. It is made of Pentelic marble
- It bears two inscriptions: "This is Athens, once the city of Theseus" (facing east towards the old city) and "This is Hadrian's, and not Theseus's city" (facing west toward the new city)
What to do there:
- Admire the 2nd-century gate and try to read the two inscriptions on it
