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So many ruins…so little time.
Having an interest in both history and architecture, Athens always gives me a thrill with so much to see and do in both departments. With only a short time in the city each time I visit, however, I have to accept that I may only get to squeeze in one or two sites during my outings.
Usually, after arriving, I jump into the shower, grab some caffeine and hit the streets, but sadly, after a long and demanding flight, this girl had to catch some shut eye. My grand plan to grab a tour to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon would have to wait. Leaving later than I usually do from my hotel, time made the decision of where I would head…the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was a short walk away.
Having been here before, I knew what to expect, but this time, I knew a bit more about the temple.
The first thing I know is that it is amazing that there are even ruins to still visit. Not in the way you might think, however.
The construction of this temple was begun in the 6th century by Pisistratus, the son of Hippocrates, also known as the Tyrant of Athens, who desired to pay tribute to the Olympian Zeus (originating from his position as head of the Olympian gods). Due to a lack of funding and the disestablishment of his son in 510 BC, construction ceased. Other attempts were made to finish the temple, by the Macedonians and Anthiochus, however, there was no completion until the Emperor Hadrian made the effort seven hundred years later.
When the building of the temple had finally concluded, it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece; there were 104 Corinthian columns and a giant gold and ivory statue of Zeus, erected by Hadrian, with a similar one of himself next to it. Today, all that remains of the entire structure are sixteen columns. Though no one knows exactly why the temple was destroyed, there is speculation of its extirpation by an earthquake and pillaging from a barbarian invasion in the third century AD . Materials from temple were then carted off to be used in various building projects throughout the city.
Today, you can still see the remaining columns standing on its original site in Athens with one lying on the ground where it fell during a storm in 1852. Two other columns can be seen in the Temple of Jupiter in Rome on Capitoline Hill, where they were brought by the Roman General Sulla.
Although you must retain a short distance from the temple, you are close enough to discover its column’s massive girth and imagine what it must have been like during its glory. You can almost imagine the colossal statues of Zeus and Hadrian holding court in the center of the temple.
Though the site is not extensive, take some time to enjoy the ruins and make sure not to miss the archaeological site on the edge of the property, highlighting some ancient structures uncovered there. Not one of the sites that most people aspire to visit, you can often find it uncrowded and enjoyable and you are able to obtain nice photos, especially in the afternoon when the sun hits the columns, almost making them glow against the perpetually cerulean sky. You can also combine your visit with a quick stop to Hadrian’s Arch located just outside the gates of the temple.
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Temple of Zeus
- Address: Temple of Olympian Zeus (Archaeological Area), Vasilissis Olgas & Vasilissis Amalias Avenue , 10557 Athens (Greece)
- Hours: Winter, 0830-1500, Summer, 0800-1930, daily. January 6, 0730-1930, October 28, 0730-1930. Closed March 25.
- Admission: General Entrance, €2.00. Combined ticket, includes Archaeological areas of Athens (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Theater of Dionysus, Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Roman Agora, €12.00, reduced, €6.00. Free entrance to Children under the age of 18 (with ID), Students of Greek of Universities (with ID), those serving armed forces (with ID).
- Getting There: By Bus, 057, 103, 108, 111, 155, 200, 208, 209, 227, 237, 856, A3, A4, B3, B4. Tram, 4. By Foot, Follow Vasilissis Amalias Avenue from Syntagma Square for about 500 meters, where you will come to the Temple of Olympian Zeus on your left.
