Arch of Hadrian, Roman triumphal arch near Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece
The Arch of Hadrian is an ancient Roman monument made of white marble that marks the boundary between old Athens and the city's expansion under Roman rule. The structure rises about 18 meters and features a large central passageway framed by Corinthian columns supporting an ornate upper level.
Citizens commissioned this monument in 131 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian's restoration and expansion of their city. It served as the symbolic gateway marking where ancient Athens ended and the newly developed Roman quarter began.
The inscriptions on each side of the arch honor Theseus and Hadrian as city founders, showing how Athens acknowledged both its Greek roots and Roman patronage. You can see these different messages when you walk around the structure.
The monument is open to viewing at all hours without any entrance fee, making it easy to visit whenever you pass by. The nearby Akropoli metro station provides straightforward access to reach this central location.
The structure features two marble inscriptions facing opposite directions: one side credits Theseus as founder of ancient Athens, while the other honors Hadrian as founder of the new city. This dual message demonstrates how Roman rulers acknowledged and incorporated Greek heritage.
Location: Athens Municipality
Inception: 131
Architectural style: ancient Roman architecture
Height: 18 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: Pentelic marble
GPS coordinates: 37.97017,23.73200
Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:42
Triumphal arches document military and historical events of their time. These monuments to victories and commemoration stand in cities around the world. The structures combine architectural elements with historical documentation through reliefs, inscriptions, and sculptures. The collection includes...
Theatro Technis
119 m
First Greek Evangelical Church
37 m
Pritaneo di Atene
126 m
Theatro Technis Karolos Koun - Frinichou
124 mSyngrou Avenue 4
103 mAischynou, 4 Dionysiou Areopagitou & 2 Frynichou
108 mMneme (Memory)
102 mAmalias Avenue 40, Periandrou & Pittakou
121 mSyngrou Avenue 6 & 3 Tziraion
118 mFrynichou 5
103 mGoura, 10 Thalou & Pittakou
83 mLysikratous, from Amalias Avenue to Galanou
86 mAmalias Avenue 46
45 mTram line, 48 Amalias to 10 Syngrou Avenues, opposite
15 mAischynou & 52 Amalias Avenue
62 mLysikratous 15
73 mGoura, from Pittakou το Chairefontos
97 mGalanou 6
102 mAmalias 52-56 & 2-10 Syngrou Avenues, opposite
86 mOrfanidis house
74 mAmalias Avenue 48 & Lysikratous
46 mLysikratous 7
105 mTziraion, from David d' Angers to Dionysiou Areopagitou
124 mAmalias Avenue 52, opposite
22 mDionysius Areopagitou
77 mOlympieio
117 mTheatre of the Sun
124 mArch of Hadrian
13 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes