Aneta Ribarska · CC BY-SA 3.0 Why visit
Monumental remains of one of the largest temples of the ancient Greek world, standing beside central Athens. Construction began under the Peisistratid rulers in the sixth century BCE but stalled for centuries. The vast Corinthian temple was finally completed under the Roman emperor Hadrian in the second century CE, when Athens enjoyed renewed imperial patronage. The visit is strongest when you focus on surviving corinthian columns, hadrianic setting and views toward the acropolis.
What you will see
- Surviving Corinthian columns.
- Hadrianic setting.
- Views toward the Acropolis.
History
Construction began under the Peisistratid rulers in the sixth century BCE but stalled for centuries. The vast Corinthian temple was finally completed under the Roman emperor Hadrian in the second century CE, when Athens enjoyed renewed imperial patronage.
Photographs
Aneta Ribarska · CC BY-SA 3.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.
Visitor tips
- 1
Prioritise Surviving Corinthian columns if you have less time than the full suggested visit.
- 2
Leave enough time for Hadrianic setting rather than treating Temple of Olympian Zeus as a quick photo stop.
About Attica
Athens and the surrounding peninsula, including Saronic island heritage, major museums and coastal archaeology.
Open the Greece guide
