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 6, 2025 16:01
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 Roman triumphal arches such as the Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus, and Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome, along with the Arch of Trajan in Benevento. Paris features the Arc de Triomphe, Porte Saint-Denis, and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Siegestor in Munich, and Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid document European history. Further examples include the India Gate in New Delhi, Patuxaï in Vientiane, and Arch 22 in Banjul. In North America, the Washington Square Arch and Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch stand in New York, while the Gateway Arch rises in St. Louis. The Triumphal Arch of Orange and Hadrian's Arch in Athens demonstrate ancient Roman architecture.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
130 m
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
209 m
Theatro Technis
119 m
Agia Aikaterini (Athens)
138 m
Greek Folk Art
258 m
Palamas house
158 m
Frissiras Museum
236 m
First Greek Evangelical Church
37 m
Paparigopoulos mansion
207 m
Capuchin monastery of Athens
206 m
Temple of Delphinian Apollo
196 m
Roman Baths in Athens
225 m
Pritaneo di Atene
126 m
Theatro Technis Karolos Koun - Frinichou
124 m
Alexander the Great equestrian statue, Athens
139 m
Amfi-theatro
260 m
Bust of Dimitris Kambouroglou
150 m
Bust of Nikos Hatziapostolou
173 m
Greece crowns Byron
157 m
Bust of Ioannis Polemis, Athens
241 m
Ioanna Tsatsou (bust)
269 m
Makrigiannis statue
193 m
Center for Asia Minor studies
276 m
Konstantinos Tsatsos (bust)
262 m
John T. Kiriakos (bust)
195 m
Zappeion Garden
203 m
Church of Agios Dimitrios (Parakklisi), Plaka
229 m
Lykiardopoulos mansion
184 mReviews
Visited 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