Arch of Hadrian — Attraction in Athens

The Arch of Hadrian is a standout—even if it’s not massive, its history and setting make it fascinating.

Why It Stood Out: It’s striking how this 18 m tall marble gate (built around 131–132 AD) creates a symbolic divide between ancient Athens and Hadrian’s Roman-era expansion  . Look closely and you’ll find inscriptions on each side—one reads “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” and the other, “This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus.” It’s history carved in stone .

What to Expect: • Free and outdoors — easy to see any time of day or night, and no lines or tickets required . • Situated right beside a busy street, giving a cool contrast between timeless history and modern city life .

Pro Tip: Take a moment to read the inscriptions and learn about the historical split they represent—it adds depth to what looks like just a fancy old gate. A bit of background goes a long way in boosting your experience.

Timing Thoughts: Try visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid rush-hour traffic and get better photos . If you stick around after dusk, the arch is beautifully lit, offering a much different—and equally memorable—vibe .

Wrap-Up: The Arch of Hadrian may be modest in size, but with its history, central location, and the visual contrast between old and new, it’s a must-see in Athens. A quick stop can easily add a meaningful layer to your explorations—especially if you pause to read, reflect, and picture...

The Arch of Hadrian in Athens is a monumental marble arch, built by Athenians in honour of their philhellene ruler, the Roman emperor Hadrian. The triumphal arch lies in proximity to Syntagma Square, right between the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Made of fine Pentelic marble, it is 18meters high, 12.5meters wide and 2.3meters deep. Its architecture is similar to other Roman arches and it is crowned by pilasters of the Corinthian rhythm. Its design is fully symmetrical.

Two inscriptions are carved in the architrave, one on each side: the first, on the side towards the Acropolis, reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus", while the second, on the side facing the new city, reads "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus". It is obvious that the ancient city formed new districts due to the expansion that was made by the Emperor.

Given that the monument was never fully protected, it has survived time in extraordinary condition. Unfortunately, in recent decades, pollution has caused extensive discoloration of the original material and degradation of the inscriptions.

The arch is located just by the side of the busy road. It is amazing that such a structure still exists, and am proud to have witness such a structure from the...

A Gateway of Honor.

The Arch of Hadrian is one of the city’s most striking Roman monuments. Erected in 131 AD, it was built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian, whose reign brought prosperity and monumental building projects to Athens. The arch served both as a triumphal gateway and as a symbolic marker between the old city of Theseus and the new quarter developed under Hadrian.

Constructed entirely of Pentelic marble, the arch rises about 18 meters high and combines elements of Greek and Roman design. Its lower section forms a single arched passage, while the upper section includes Corinthian columns and a central niche. Inscriptions carved on both sides highlight its symbolic role: one side proclaims Athens as “the city of Theseus,” while the other dedicates it as “the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus.”

The Arch of Hadrian celebrated the emperor’s contributions to Athens, particularly his completion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and other civic works. It reflected the blending of Greek heritage with Roman power, symbolizing the city’s dual identity as both ancient polis and imperial metropolis.

Today, the Arch of Hadrian stands as a graceful reminder of the Roman presence in Athens and the city’s enduring...