From the south-eastern side of Athens’s historic centre, the Temple of Olympian Zeus—also called the Olympieion—is an archaeological site known for its surviving Corinthian columns. Hadrian’s Arch stands nearby as a separate monument, making the area a chance to see two distinct traces of the city’s past.
- Setting: southeast of the Acropolis, near Plaka.
- What remains: fifteen standing columns; a sixteenth fell in 1852.
- History: begun in the 6th century BCE and completed in the 2nd century CE.
What remains at the Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Olympieion’s most prominent remains are its standing Corinthian columns, part of a temple once built with 104 columns. Dedicated to Zeus, chief deity of ancient Greek religion, the structure took centuries to complete: construction began in the 6th century BCE under the Athenian tyrants Peisistratus and his sons, and the temple was finished in the 2nd century CE during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian.
Fifteen columns still stand at the site. A sixteenth fell in 1852. Nearby, Hadrian’s Arch is a distinct monument, not part of the temple ruins, so you can take in both landmarks while keeping their histories separate.
Tickets, opening hours and site access
Admission prices, opening hours and access conditions for the Temple of Olympian Zeus should be confirmed with the official site before you go. Ticket and schedule details for the Acropolis do not establish the Olympieion’s current terms, so avoid assuming that the two sites share the same arrangements.
Official ticketing terms generally allow one person a single entry to each site named on a ticket. Check the official site before you go for the Temple of Olympian Zeus’s current admission and opening information.
How do you reach the Olympieion?
The Olympieion is in central Athens, southeast of the Acropolis and near the historic area of Plaka. From Athens Mansion Luxury Suites, Monastiraki station is about an 8-minute walk; use it as a nearby transit point when planning your visit to the temple area.
Pair the temple with nearby Hadrian’s Arch, then continue toward the Acropolis or Plaka. For a broader sequence of central landmarks, the one-day Athens walking route puts the area into a city sightseeing plan.
Nearby sights for the same walking route
The Acropolis and Plaka are both close to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, making them natural companions for a central Athens outing. Hadrian’s Arch is also nearby, though it is separate from the archaeological site.
If you plan to add the Acropolis Museum, its collections provide another stop in the area. The Acropolis Museum Athens visitor guide covers that museum separately.
FAQs
What is the Olympieion?
Olympieion is another name for the Temple of Olympian Zeus, an archaeological site in Athens southeast of the Acropolis.
How many columns remain at the temple?
Fifteen columns remain standing. The completed temple had 104 columns, and another column fell in 1852.
Who was the temple dedicated to?
It was dedicated to Zeus, the chief deity of ancient Greek religion.
Is Hadrian’s Arch part of the temple?
No. Hadrian’s Arch stands nearby but is a separate monument from the temple ruins.