Temple of Olympian Zeus
Explore ticket options to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples in the ancient world!
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About Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus, an iconic ancient temple in Athens, dates back to the 6th century BC. Its colossal structure and elaborate design were meant to showcase the city’s wealth and devotion to the Olympian Gods.
Why visit Temple of Zeus?
Highlights
Columns and pediments
The Temple of Zeus was characterized by its impressive Corinthian columns. Although only a few of these colossal columns remain standing today, they remind visitors of the temple's scale and grandeur.
Temple remains
While the Temple of Zeus is not intact, the remaining columns and architectural elements offer a glimpse into the monumental scale of the original structure.
The Olympieion Wall
Adjacent to the temple, you will find the remnants of the surrounding enclosure wall. This wall played a significant role in defining the sacred space of the temple and is a part of the overall archaeological landscape.
Hadrian’s Arch
The Hadrian’s Arch is an impressive gateway that once marked the boundary between the old city of Athens and the new Roman city built by Emperor Hadrian. This arch is a separate structure but is often visited in conjunction with the Temple of Zeus.
Statue of Hadrian
Originally, a colossal statue of the Roman Emperor Hadrian was located within the temple complex. Although the statue itself is no longer extant, you can see the base and some fragments.
- Temple of Zeus is home to the largest surviving ancient temple in Greece, with its remaining 15 out of 104 colossal Corinthian columns standing tall.
- The construction of the Temple of Zeus took over 600 years to complete, starting in the 6th century BC and finishing in the 2nd century CE.
- In Greek mythology, the Temple of Zeus was believed to house the Chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- The Temple of Zeus was not only a place of worship but also a venue for hosting ancient Olympic games, where athletes competed in honor of Zeus.
- This iconic temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology, and it served as a testament to the might and power of Athens during its golden age.
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