The largest sanctuary in Ancient Greece was built for 650 years! Although only one corner and a few columns survived from the gigantic structure, the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens makes a strong impression. Find out the history of the temple, how to get to it and how much tickets cost.
History and description of the temple of Olympian Zeus
The temple in the center of the ancient polis began to be built in the 6th century BC, under the tyrant ruler Pisistratus. Marble for the construction site was transported from Mount Pantelus. The sanctuary was completed under the Roman emperor Hadrian, who was a great admirer of Greek art. The historian Titus Livy wrote that the magnificent building in Athens is the only temple worthy of Zeus himself.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus had impressive dimensions: 96 m by 40 m and 104 columns 17 m high. It stood for about 300 years and was destroyed in 267 during the invasion of the Heruli. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods of history, it was the largest sanctuary in Greece. After the last emperor of Rome, Theodosius I, forbade the worship of pagan gods, the stone walls and columns were partially dismantled for the construction of churches and houses.
Today, from the former splendor of Olympion, 14 columns with Corinthian capitals, two free-standing columns and one tumbled down are left. Nearby are the ruins of the fortress wall that protected the Athenians during the Greco-Persian wars.
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Temple opening hours
In summer, the temple is open to tourists from 8:00 to 19:30, and in winter from 8:30 to 15:00. The day off is Monday.
Temple ticket price
Entrance to the territory of the Temple of Olympian Zeus costs 12 € for adults and 6 € for students, seniors and visitors under 19 years old. To save money, tourists buy for 30 € special ticket package, which is designed for 5 days. With this ticket, you can see not only the Temple of Zeus, but also the Athenian Acropolis with a museum, Agora, the Keramikos museum and the Hadrian's library.
How to get there
The temple is located 0.5 km southeast of the Acropolis. It is easy to walk from the Acropoli metro station.
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