- TURY.CLUB
- Tourist Objects
- Greece
- Athens
- Arch of Hadrian
The Arch of Hadrian (Πύλη Αδριανού) is a monumental Roman structure located in the center of Athens, near the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Garden. Built in 131 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian, the arch served not only as an architectural ornament but also as a symbolic gateway between the ancient city of Athens and the new urban area developed under Roman rule.
Constructed from white Pentelic marble, the arch stands 18 meters tall. It features a rectangular central passageway framed by Corinthian columns, topped by a second level with three niches, which likely held statues. The design reflects a blend of Roman grandeur and Greek refinement, typical of the Hadrianic era.
Two inscriptions carved into the arch’s facades convey its symbolic message. On the side facing the Acropolis, it reads:
“This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus.”
On the side facing the newer Roman quarter:
“This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus.”
These statements highlight the ideological significance of the arch as a marker of transition from classical Athens to its Roman renaissance and acknowledge Hadrian's role as a great benefactor.
The arch had no defensive function and was not part of any wall. It stood as a ceremonial structure, likely erected by the citizens of Athens in gratitude for Hadrian’s many contributions, including the completion of the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus and the construction of cultural institutions.
Today, the Arch of Hadrian remains one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. Freely accessible to the public, its elegant form framed by the backdrop of the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus offers a powerful visual connection between antiquity, empire, and the timeless appeal of monumental architecture.
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