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Temple of Zeus: Ancient Greek Monumental Temple
Sites to See At The Temple Olympian Zeus Athens
The Gate or Arch of Hadrian is a big stone gateway in Athens. It was constructed in 132 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The arch marks the old boundary of the city. It is made of white marble and sits on three steps.
This gate has pictures of Roman soldiers and two inscriptions with Hadrian’s name. It is located to the east of the Acropolis and is a great spot to see on your visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The Themistoclean Wall was constructed in 479 BCE to protect Athens. It stretched 10 miles from Lycabettus Hill to Phaleron Bay. This wall had three layers of big stone blocks and was named after Themistocles, the man who designed it and led the Athenian Navy in a key battle in 480 BCE.
The wall kept Athens safe until 404 BCE when the Spartans broke through during the Peloponnesian War.
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When you plan your visit to Temple of Zeus, you should see the Doric Temple of Apollo Delphinios. Constructed in the late 6th century BC, this temple stands on the northwest side of the Acropolis, overlooking the Ancient Agora. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of music and healing.
The temple used local marble and had beautiful carvings of Greek myths. It was an important place for healing the sick and injured and also served as a safe spot during wars.
Know Before You Visit Temple of Zeus
Location: The official address of The Temple of Zeus is Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece.
Opening Hours:
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus is open from 8 AM to 3:30 PM from November to March.
- From April to October, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is open from 8 AM to 7 PM.
How to get to the Temple of Zeus
- By Bus: The nearest bus stops to the Temple of Zeus are Makrygiannē, SYGGROU, and ΑΓ. ΦΩΤΕΙΝΗ and there are several buses that ply through these stops. You can walk to the temple from these stops easily in about 5 minutes.
- By Car: You can re nt a car or book a taxi service and reach the Temple of Olympian Zeus using GPS or a map.
- By Metro: Take a metro to Acropoli Metro Station. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is 1.4 km away and you can reach the temple with a 4-minute walk.
Book Now: Temple of Zeus Tickets
Peak Season (Summer): The best time to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Despite the crowds, the expansive grounds allow visitors to explore the ruins at their own pace.
Shoulder Season (Spring and Fall): Visiting during the shoulder seasons offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to enjoy the site more comfortably.
Low Season (Winter): The temple is also open during the winter months, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular ruins, possibly under a dusting of snow, in a quieter and more serene environment.
Checkout: Temple of Olympian Zeus Opening Hours
Tips to Visit Temple of Zeus
- Being a popular tourist destination in Athens, the Temple of Zeus is usually crowded. You can plan your visit to the Temple of Zeus in the morning to avoid crowds and the noon heat.
- Always purchase tickets in advance to save time. Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended as the queues at the physical counter are usually long.
- The Temple of Zeus is a religious site, and hence, it is recommended to wear dresses that cover shoulders and knees.
- To get a better understanding of this historical temple and to explore the attraction conveniently, you can use a map or a guidebook.
- As it can get very hot in the afternoon
- and early evening, you should carry sunscreen, a hat, and sufficient water for sun protection.
- The temple is centuries old and the ruins are carefully preserved. Be respectful and avoid touching them or causing damage to them.
- The temple has guided tours and you can book one to gain comprehensive insights into the temple's history.
- The Temple of Zeus is located very close to attractions like the Acropolis and National Garden. Hence, you can explore these attractions together to save time.
You May Also Check: History of Temple of Zeus
Facts About Temple of Zeus
- The Temple of Zeus was constructed over centuries. Its construction began in the 6th century BCE and concluded in the 2nd century CE under Emperor Hadrian.
- The temple was once one of Greece's largest temples and it housed a colossal statue of Zeus.
- The temple was designed by the famous architect, Libon of Elis in ancient Greek architectural organizational systems called the Doric order.
- Originally, the temple had 104 Corinthian columns. However, today only 15 of the 104 Corinthian columns remain standing.
- The temple is dedicated to the Greek God Zeus and it served as a testament to Athens' wealth and influence.
- The temple was set on fire by Roman emperor Theodosius II which severely damaged the temple's structure.
- Earthquakes in 551 AD and 552 AD further caused irreversible damage to the once magnificent building.
Must Checkout: Temple of Olympian Zeus Facts
FAQ's of Temple of Zeus
Where is the Temple of Zeus Located?
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is an ancient temple in Athens, Greece. It is situated southeast of the Acropolis and is also known as the Olympieion. It is dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. The temple is famous for its architecture and its remains provide a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture.
You May Also Like: Places to Visit near Temple of Zeus
How can I reach the Temple of Zeus?
- On Foot: From Syntagma Square, you can reach the temple with a small walk of about 10 minutes.
- By Metro: The closest metro station is Akropoli. From there, you can walk to the temple in 5 minutes.
- By Bus/trolleybus: The nearest bus stops are Makrygiannē, SYGGROU, and ΑΓ. ΦΩΤΕΙΝΗ. You can walk to the temple in less than 5 minutes.
- By Car: From Syntagma Square, you can book a taxi and reach the temple in 2 minutes.
How many hours are enough for Temple exploration?
Tourists spend an average of 1-2 hours at the temple to explore it thoroughly. This includes walking around the site, witnessing the remaining columns that stand tall and majestic even today, and get a chance to learn about its history. Additionally, guided tours of the temple can take more than 2 hours.
What is the opening hour of the Temple of Zeus?
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is open every day from 8 AM to 3:30 PM in the winter season (November to March). In the summer season (April-Oct), it is open for extended hours from 8 AM to 7 PM every day. Please note that the last entry to the temple is allowed 30 minutes prior to closing time. So, plan your visit to Temple of Zeus accordingly.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Temple of Zeus?
No, there is no particular dress code for visiting the Temple of Olympian Zeus. As it is a religious site, it is recommended to dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered. You can also choose comfortable walking shoes as you can expect to walk a lot around the temple.
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