Temple of Olympian Zeus
Explore ticket options to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples in the ancient world!Bestseller
Multipass Tickets: Acropolis + 6 Archaeological Sites of Athens
Top Experiences
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Keep a few hours on hand: Exploring the archaeological site, examining the intricate details of the temple, and enjoying the panoramic views can take more time than anticipated. Allocate enough time in your itinerary to fully appreciate the Temple of Zeus and its surroundings.
Consider a guided tour: Enhance your experience by opting for a guided tour of the Temple of Zeus. Guides provide detailed insights into its history, architecture, and cultural relevance.
Visit in the morning: Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful visit to the Temple of Zeus by going in the morning. You'll have better photo opportunities and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Check for combo tickets: Look for combo tickets that include access to other iconic attractions near the Temple of Zeus. This can help you save money and make the most of your visit.
Wear comfortable footwear: The Temple of Zeus is an outdoor archaeological site with uneven terrain. To ensure a comfortable visit, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on gravel paths and potentially uneven surfaces.
Top things to do in Athens
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.
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.
Why visit Temple of Zeus?
Highlights
Plan your visit
South entrance
Accessible from Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, this entrance is for all visitors, including those with disabilities. The average wait time at this entrance is around 15 minutes, but it can vary depending on the crowd.
East entrance
Located near the Arch of Hadrian, the East Entrance is for visitors with tickets or museum passes. It can take about 20 minutes to enter the temple from this entrance, but it may be longer during peak hours.
West entrance
Situated near the National Garden, the West Entrance is open to all visitors, including those with disabilities. The average wait time at this entrance is around 10 minutes, but it may be longer during busy periods.
North entrance
Accessible from Amalias Avenue, the North Entrance is for visitors with tickets, museum passes, or membership cards. The wait time at this entrance can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the day and time of visit.
Zappeion entrance
This entrance is located near the Zappeion Hall and is for visitors with tickets or museum passes. The average wait time here is about 20 minutes, but it may be longer during weekends or holidays.
- The Temple of Zeus allows visitors up to 30 minutes before its closing time.
- The temple is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25, and 26 December.
While visitors in wheelchairs can enter the Temple of Zeus, there may not be able to access all areas since the ruins are situated on uneven terrains within the premises. However, visitors with mobility challenges can look at the ruins, the remains of the once colossal statue of Zeus, and other citadels in the area.