Temple of Olympian Zeus: Entry Ticket + Digital Hellenic Heritage Guide
Enter the ruins of the epic temple of Zeus himself
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- Tiqets Digital Hellenic Herita Guide (Download it from the confirmation email)
Temple of Olympian Zeus Tickets and Information
- Temple of Olympian Zeus Address: Vassilisis Olgas Av., 105 57, Athens
- Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 - 15:00
Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus Worth Visiting
- If you enjoy visiting historical locations, absolutely, yes.
- It’s a fascinating place to visit knowing it’s history.
What You See At Temple of Olympian Zeus
- The huge columns
- The temple remnants
- Amazing views
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About the Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens
The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, also known as the Olympieion, is one of Greece's most iconic ancient landmarks.
Found in the heart of Athens, near the famous Acropolis, the colossal structure is a must-visit attraction for the ‘Things to do in Athens’ lists, as one of the founding places of Western civilization.
Construction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus began in the 6th century BCE during the reign of the Athenian tyrant Peisistratos. However, the project was abandoned for centuries due to political upheaval and lack of funds. It was eventually completed in 131 CE by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, nearly 700 years after it was first initiated!
The temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, and it symbolised power and grandeur. It originally comprised of 104 towering Corinthian columns but only 15 remain standing, with one fallen column lying dramatically on the ground. Each column is an astonishing 17 metres (56 feet) tall, which also shows the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman engineering.
The site is located just southeast of the Acropolis and can easily be reached by foot or public transport and the best time to visit is early in the morning when it opens or later in the afternoon if you are looking to avoid the crowds and heat of the day during peak season!
Sitting adjacent to the temple is Hadrian’s Arch, a monumental gateway that symbolically divided ancient Athens from the Roman city. You can also enjoy amazing views of nearby landmarks, including Mount Lycabettus and the Acropolis from the temple ruins.
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The Temple of Olympian Zeus FAQs
- What is the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens?
- It’s an ancient temple that is dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods.
- When was the Temple of Olympian Zeus built?
- Construction of the temple started in the 6th century BCE but it wasn’t completed until 131 CE, when Roman Emperor Hadrian completed it.
- How tall are the columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus?
- The Corinthian columns are 17 metres (56 feet) tall!
- How many columns are still standing at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens?
- Fifteen columns remain standing, with one lying on the ground out of the 104 that originally stood.
- Where is the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens?
- It’s situated southeast of the Acropolis in Athens.
- Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus part of a combined ticket with the Acropolis?
- Yes, we offer a combination ticket for both the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis. Click HERE to see the ticket details.
- What is Hadrian’s Arch at the Temple of Olympian Zeus?
- It’s a nearby monumental gateway that marks the division between ancient Athens and the Roman city.
- Can you see the Acropolis from the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens?
- Yes, the Temple of Olympian Zeus offers beautiful views of the Acropolis.
- What was the Temple of Olympian Zeur’s purpose?
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to honour Zeus and symbolise power and grandeur.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus Fun Facts
- Construction: The temple took almost 700 years to complete.
- Size Matters: It was once the largest temple in Greece, covering an area of 2,500 square metres.
- Marble: The temple's massive columns were made of Pentelic marble.
- Statue: Emperor Hadrian installed a giant statue of himself alongside Zeus inside the temple.
- Disrepair: The Temple of Olympian Zeus was looted and fell into disrepair during the 3rd century CE.
- Reused Materials: Much of its material was repurposed for later construction projects.
- Fallen Column: The fallen column toppled during a storm in 1852.
- Crowning Glory: Hadrian’s Arch was erected to celebrate the temple’s completion.
- Active Archaeological Site: The temple remains an active archaeological site, offering insights into ancient construction techniques.
Useful Information About The Temple of Olympian Zeus
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets Online: It’s an easy and convenient way to secure your tickets, especially during the peak summer months when it gets busy. Booking online also means you can avoid the queues!
- Combination Ticket: Consider one of our combination tickets that includes access to the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Click HERE for ticket details.
How To Get There
- Temple of Olympian Zeus, Vassilisis Olgas Av., 105 57, Athens
Opening Hours
- Monday: 08:00 - 15:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 15:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 15:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 15:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 15:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 15:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 15:00
