The Temple of Olympian Zeus is the largest temple ever built in ancient Greece, and one of the longest construction projects in human history. Begun in 520 BC, abandoned twice, restarted by the Roman emperor Hadrian, and finally completed in 132 AD, the temple took 638 years to finish. Today only 15 of its original 104 colossal Corinthian columns still stand, but their sheer scale (17 metres tall, 1.7 metres in diameter) gives a unique sense of the ambition of ancient Greek monumental architecture. The Temple sits 500 metres south of the National Garden, immediately next to Hadrian’s Arch, in one of the most visible archaeological complexes in central Athens. This is the complete Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens guide for 2026.
All information was verified for the 2026 season against the Greek Ministry of Culture and the Hellenic Heritage ticket portal.
What Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus?
The Olympieion (or Temple of Olympian Zeus) was the largest temple ever built in ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, king of the gods, it was begun by the Athenian tyrant Peisistratos around 520 BC, abandoned when the tyrant fell, briefly resumed by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 170s BC, abandoned again, and finally completed by the Roman emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. The temple originally had 104 Corinthian columns 17 metres tall each, surrounding a central cella that housed a colossal gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus (matching the famous Zeus at Olympia, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
For broader context, see our Athens Historical Sites pillar, our Acropolis guide, and our things to do guide.
Temple of Olympian Zeus 2026 Tickets & Prices
Standard Ticket
€8 full price summer (April-October), €4 winter (November-March). Reduced rate half the standard. EU citizens under 25 free with ID.
Combined Ticket (Best Value)
The Olympieion is one of the seven sites covered by the €36 combined Athens archaeological ticket. If you’re visiting the Acropolis and at least two other sites, the combined ticket pays for itself easily.
Free Admission Days
March 6, April 18, May 18, September 26-27, October 28, and the first Sunday of every month from November through March.
Opening Hours for 2026
Summer (April-October): Daily 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Last entry 7:00 PM. Winter (November-March): Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry 4:30 PM.
Closed: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25-26.
How to Get There
By metro: Akropoli station (red line 2), 5-minute walk south on Vasilissis Olgas. By foot: 12 minutes from Syntagma Square, 10 minutes from Plaka, 8 minutes from the Acropolis south entrance. Address: Vasilissis Olgas Avenue.
The Site Layout
The Temple Itself
The 15 surviving columns are arranged in two groups: 13 at the southeast corner (still standing in their original position) and 3 near the southwest corner. A 16th column collapsed in a 1852 storm and is preserved where it fell, showing exactly how the marble drums were originally assembled. The temple’s foundation platform is fully visible; walking the perimeter gives a sense of the original 110 by 44 metre scale.
Hadrian’s Arch
Immediately adjacent to the temple, the 18-metre triumphal arch built by Hadrian in 131 or 132 AD marked the symbolic boundary between the old Greek city and Hadrian’s new Roman extension. The famous bilingual inscriptions on each side proclaim: facing the Acropolis, “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus”; facing the temple, “This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus”. The arch is technically outside the paid ticket area; you can see it from the street for free.
The Themistoclean Wall
A section of the 5th-century-BC city walls is preserved within the Olympieion archaeological zone, near the eastern edge of the temple platform.
Roman Baths Foundations
2nd-century-AD Roman baths foundations are partially excavated to the south of the temple.
The History in Detail
The tyrant Peisistratos started construction around 520 BC. His sons completed the foundation; the project was abandoned when the Athenian democracy overthrew the tyrants. The temple sat half-built for 350 years until the Hellenistic king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) hired the Roman architect Decimus Cossutius to restart the project. The first standing Corinthian columns date from this Hellenistic phase. Antiochus’s death stopped construction again. Augustus expressed interest but did nothing concrete. Finally Hadrian, who deeply identified with classical Greek culture, completed the temple in 132 AD, dedicating it during his second visit to Athens.
The temple stood intact for about 130 years, then was destroyed in the 3rd-century-AD Herulian invasion. The marble was systematically removed in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods to build other structures around Athens; the temple has not had a roof since at least the 5th century AD.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon (4-6 PM in summer, 2-4 PM in winter) gives the most photogenic light angle on the columns. Sunset photography is exceptional. The site is rarely crowded; even peak summer rarely sees more than 50-100 visitors at any one time. Allow 30-45 minutes for a focused visit, 60-90 minutes for a thorough exploration including Hadrian’s Arch and the surrounding archaeological zone.
Photography Tips
The temple is one of the most photogenic stops in Athens. Best angles: wide angle from the southeast corner showing all 13 standing columns; tight portrait from the southwest with the collapsed column; the perspective shot looking up the standing columns; the Hadrian’s Arch with the Acropolis visible behind. All hand-held photography permitted; no flash issues outdoors; tripods technically prohibited but rarely enforced.
Combining with Other Athens Sights
The Olympieion is the perfect 30-45 minute stop between Plaka and Syntagma. Standard combination: morning Acropolis (90 minutes), walk down Dionysiou Areopagitou to the Olympieion (45 minutes), continue to the National Garden, Zappeion, and Panathenaic Stadium (60 minutes), finish with lunch in Plaka. Total cost €36 combined ticket + €15 lunch.
Hadrian’s Arch in Detail
The arch is one of the most photographed monuments in Athens because it perfectly frames the Acropolis when viewed from the south side. The two-storey structure was built entirely from Pentelic marble (the same marble used for the Parthenon) without mortar, using metal clamps to connect the cut stones. The upper-floor “loggia” with its four Corinthian columns is unusually well-preserved; the lower arched gateway is intact. The bilingual inscriptions are still legible on both sides.
Hadrian and Athens
The emperor Hadrian (76-138 AD) was one of the most pro-Greek Roman emperors. He visited Athens at least three times, was initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries, completed the Olympieion, built a vast library complex (Hadrian’s Library, see our separate guide), funded an aqueduct still partially functional today, and added an entire new district to the city (the “Hadrianopolis” or “new Athens” that the arch’s inscription refers to). The Greeks named him “Olympios” (the Olympian) in gratitude. The arch’s eastern face acknowledges his role; the western face acknowledges the older mythical founder Theseus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Temple of Olympian Zeus?
The largest temple ever built in ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus and finally completed in 132 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian after 638 years of construction. The temple originally had 104 Corinthian columns 17 metres tall each; 15 still stand today.
How much does the Temple of Olympian Zeus cost?
€8 standard summer ticket; €4 winter. Included in the €36 combined Athens archaeological ticket which covers seven sites including the Acropolis. EU citizens under 25 free year-round with ID.
What are the Temple of Olympian Zeus opening hours?
Summer (April-October): 8 AM to 7:30 PM daily. Winter (November-March): 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Closed Greek public holidays.
Why is the Temple of Olympian Zeus unfinished?
The temple is actually finished; it was completed in 132 AD by Hadrian. However, it was destroyed in the 3rd-century-AD Herulian invasion, and the marble was systematically removed in subsequent centuries for other construction. Today only 15 of the original 104 columns survive, and there has been no roof since at least the 5th century AD.
What is Hadrian’s Arch?
An 18-metre Roman triumphal arch built in 131 or 132 AD next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It marked the symbolic boundary between the old Greek city of Athens and Hadrian’s new Roman extension. The arch is technically free to view from the public street.
How long does the Temple of Olympian Zeus visit take?
Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes; serious visitors with cameras spend 60-90 minutes. The temple is a natural quick stop between the Acropolis and Plaka or Syntagma.
Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus walkable from the Acropolis?
Yes, 10 minutes along Dionysiou Areopagitou and Vasilissis Olgas Avenue. The two sites are typically combined as a half-day classical Athens experience.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more historical sites, see our pillar guide to Athens historical sites and museums, our complete Acropolis guide, our Acropolis Museum guide, our Ancient Agora guide, our National Archaeological Museum guide, and our top 25 attractions.