Cities
Greece Athens Athina Historical landmark

Hadrian's Arch

Hadrian's Arch
About

Hadrian's Arch, located near the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, is a grand marble gateway built in 131 CE to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Erected by the citizens of Athens, the arch symbolically marked the boundary between the ancient Greek city and the new Roman quarter that Hadrian helped develop. Standing over 18 meters tall, the structure is made of fine Pentelic marble and features a single arched passage topped by a series of Corinthian columns and inscriptions. On the side facing the Acropolis, the inscription reads, “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” while the opposite side proclaims, “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus.” These contrasting messages highlight the transition from classical Athens to the Roman-influenced city. Despite centuries of urban development, Hadrian’s Arch remains remarkably intact. It continues to serve as a striking reminder of the emperor’s influence and the blending of Greek and Roman cultures that shaped the city’s history and identity.

Athens Greece
Location

Hadrian's Arch, also known as Hadrian's Gate, is a monumental gateway in Athens, Greece. Built in 131 or 132 AD, it was constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian for his contributions to the city. The arch spans an ancient road leading from the center of Athens to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Made entirely of Pentelic marble, it stands 18 meters tall and 13.5 meters wide, resembling a Roman triumphal arch. The structure features two inscriptions, one facing the Acropolis stating, "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus," and the other facing the new city, reading, "This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus." These inscriptions have led to debates about whether the arch marked a division between old and new Athens or simply honored Hadrian’s influence. Despite centuries of exposure to pollution and environmental damage, the arch remains a significant historical landmark. Located on Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, near the Temple of Olympian Zeus, it continues to be a popular site for visitors exploring Athens' rich classical heritage.

Acropolis Museum Acropolis Museum Athens National Archaeological Museum National Archaeological Museum Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Museum of Cycladic Art Athens Byzantine and Christian Museum Byzantine and Christian Museum Athens Benaki Museum Benaki Museum Athens Goulandris Museum Goulandris Museum Athens Numismatic Museum Numismatic Museum Athens War Museum Athens War Museum Athens Athens National Art Gallery Athens National Art Gallery Athens Athens Hellenic Motor Museum Athens Hellenic Motor Museum Athens Athens National Garden of Athens National Garden of Athens Athens Pedion tou Areos Pedion tou Areos Athens Mount Lycabettus Mount Lycabettus Athens Strefi Hill Strefi Hill Athens Filopappou Hill Filopappou Hill Athens Antonis Tritsis Park Antonis Tritsis Park Athens Acropolis of Athens Acropolis of Athens Athens Parthenon Parthenon Athens Temple of Hephaestus Temple of Hephaestus Athens Temple of Olympian Zeus Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens Odeon of Herodes Atticus Odeon of Herodes Atticus Athens Theatre of Dionysus Theatre of Dionysus Athens Tower of the Winds Tower of the Winds Athens Philopappos Monument Philopappos Monument Athens Kerameikos Archaeological Site Kerameikos Archaeological Site Athens Acropolis Fortress Acropolis Fortress Athens Daphni Monastery Daphni Monastery Athens Hellenic Parliament Athens Hellenic Parliament Athens Athens Varvakios Agora Varvakios Agora Athens Zappeion Hall Zappeion Hall Athens Presidential Mansion Presidential Mansion Athens Plaka Plaka Athens Monastiraki Monastiraki Athens Anafiotika Anafiotika Athens Syntagma Square Syntagma Square Athens Panathenaic Stadium Panathenaic Stadium Athens Technopolis Technopolis Athens Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Athens Athens Riviera Athens Riviera Athens

User attributes