Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Magnificient Greek columns
- Awe-inspiring architecture
Time required: 90 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| April 1 - Oct 31, daily: | 8am - 8pm |
| Nov 1 - March 31, daily: | 8:30am - 3pm |
| Public holidays: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 4 € |
Public transport:
- Red Metro Line: Akropoli station
Address: Vas. Olgas Street and Amalias Avenue, Athens
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: christine zenino
Things you need to know:
- Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest in mainland Greece. It measured 96m by 40m (315 by 131 ft.) featuring 104 17m-high columns
- Its construction started in 515 BC but, due to political turmoil, completed only some 600 years later in AD 124. The temple was finished by Roman Emperor Hadrian
- The temple housed two colossal gold and ivory statues: Pheidias's statue of Zeus and the statue of Hadrian
- Out of the original 104 columns 15 are still standing
- Pheidias's statue of Zeus was one of the seven wonders of the acient world
- Athenians erected a two-storey arch for Hadrian next to the temple to thank him for completing the temple and offered the city to him
- Other hightlights nearby: Ruins of Ancient Houses, Law Court at the Delphinion, Themistoklean Gates and walls
What to do there:
- Walk around the area to see the ancient ruins that surround the remains of the temple
- The highlights are the temple's 15 remaining columns
Tips & Insights:
- Save some money by buying a combined ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Kerameikos
- To get the best light for photographs of the columns, visit between 3pm and 4pm
- It is one of the few uncrowded Athens attractions
