Just to the south of Syntagma Square stands one of central Athens' most impressive ruins. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, sometimes known as the Olympeion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, was built in honour of the father of the Olympian gods. Of its original 104 Corinthian columns, only fifteen remain standing today. However they still give a powerful impression of the awe-inspiring scale of this massive building.Construction of the temple began during the rule of Peisistratos in the 6th century BC but it would take another seven centuries before it was finished. The Classical Greeks felt that the ambitious project might be seen by the gods as a symbol of man’s arrogance and it was not until 131 AD that the Emperor Hadrian took steps to complete the temple. At the same time he commissioned an immense gold and ivory statue of Zeus and a slightly smaller one of himself in a gesture of arrogance that would have surely shocked his forebears!It is thought that the main part of the building was destroyed by an earthquake during the middle ages, and one of the surviving columns fell victim to storm damage in 1852. To the north of the site are the remains of Roman houses, a Roman bath and the city walls, as well as the Arch of Hadrian which formed a gate between the ancient and Roman cities of Athens.The Temple of Olympian Zeus is in central Athens, a short walk from Syntagma Square, and can be easily reached by public transport. It is open every day and entrance is covered by a ticket to the Acropolis. In summer the building is floodlit along with the Acropolis, making it a delightful and atmospheric place to visit and photograph as well as an iconic landmark which can be seen from many parts of this beautiful city.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Visit Temple of Olympian Zeus
Cruises & boat tours
See all 85 activitiesOpens in new tabAll Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks inc...
History & culture
See all 776 activitiesOpens in new tabAthens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 244 activitiesOpens in new tabAthens Greek Food Tour Small-Group Experience
Classes & workshops
See all 72 activitiesOpens in new tabAthens Cooking Class with Acropolis Views rooftop dinner
Shopping & fashion
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabAncient Delphi Full-Day Trip with Optional Lunch from Athens
Reviews of Temple of Olympian Zeus
4/5 - Good
A guide is a necessity otherwise it's just columns!
3/5 - Okay
€30 euros to enter
5/5 - Excellent
Get the multi site ticket it costs E30 but it gets you into 5 sites
Popular places to visit
Hadrian's Arch
You can find out about the history of Athens when you stop by Hadrian's Arch. Make time to visit the area's temples or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies
You can browse the exhibits at Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Athens. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.
Acropolis Museum
This stunning new museum on Athens’ ancient hill has become one of the city’s most visited attractions.
Athens National Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Athens National Garden, a lovely green space in Athens. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.
Zappeion Hall
Learn about the events happening in Zappeion Hall during your trip to Athens. Make time to visit the area's temples or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Greek Evangelical Church
You can find out about the history of Athens with a visit to Greek Evangelical Church. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.
Top Temple of Olympian Zeus Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Holidays and getaways similar to Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hotels Near Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Port of Piraeus
- Hotels near Acropolis
- Hotels near Syntagma Square
- Hotels near Parthenon
- Hotels near Acropolis Museum
- Hotels near Alimos Marina
- Hotels near Glyfada's Second Beach
- Hotels near Panathenaic Stadium
- Hotels near Ermou Street
- Hotels near Astir Beach
- Hotels near Vouliagmeni Spa Lake
- Hotels near Port of Peiraias