INR

All Categories

Visitor's Guide

Tickets

Activities

Temple Of Olympian Zeus Athens

Explore Now

Architecture of Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a colossal ancient temple located in Athens, Greece. The temple was constructed in the 6th century BCE and dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. It was built over a period of more than 600 years, finally being completed under the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE.

The temple was the largest in Greece, with 104 Corinthian columns that reached a height of 17 meters. The temple's sheer size was a marvel of ancient engineering and architecture. Unfortunately, the temple suffered significant damage over time, and today only 15 of the original columns remain standing. Despite this, the temple remains an impressive sight to behold, with the surviving columns towering above visitors and offering a glimpse into the temple's past grandeur.

Visitors to the Temple of Olympian Zeus can walk around the ruins and imagine what it would have been like to stand in the midst of such a grand and impressive structure. While the temple may not be in its original form, it remains a significant testament to the power and magnificence of ancient Greek architecture and mythology.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to be the largest temple in Greece, measuring 96 meters long and 40 meters wide. It had 104 columns, each reaching a height of 17 meters.

Book Now - Activities To Do In Acropolis

The columns of the temple were made from marble and stood in the Corinthian order. They were designed to be monolithic, meaning they were each carved from a single piece of stone. The columns weighed up to 120 tons each, making them some of the largest and heaviest in the ancient world.

Also Checkout - Lindos Acropolis

The temple had two large pediments, one on the east end and one on the west end, which were decorated with elaborate sculptures. Unfortunately, most of these sculptures have been lost over time.

The frieze of the temple was made from marble and decorated with images of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures. The frieze would have wrapped around the temple, though only fragments remain today.

The interior of the temple, known as the cella, would have housed a large statue of Zeus. The cella was surrounded by smaller rooms that were used for various purposes, such as storage or worship.

History of Temple Of Olympian Zeus Athens

Construction began in the 6th century BCE under the tyrant Peisistratos.
The temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology.
The temple was built to be the largest temple in Greece, measuring 96 meters long and 40 meters wide, with 104 columns reaching a height of 17 meters.
Construction of the temple took over 600 years to complete, with various leaders and conquerors contributing to the building process.
The temple was finally completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE.
The temple was constructed in the Corinthian order, using monolithic marble columns weighing up to 120 tons each.
Over time, much of the temple was destroyed due to earthquakes, looting, and the ravages of time.
Today, only 15 of the original columns remain standing.
In the 19th century, the Greek government began a restoration project to preserve what was left of the temple.
Today, the Temple of Olympian Zeus stands as a testament to the grandeur and power of ancient Greek architecture and mythology.

Know Before You Go to Temple Of Olympian Zeus Athens

Essential Informations

How to Reach:

By foot: The temple is located in the historic district of Athens, and is within walking distance of many popular tourist attractions, including the Acropolis and the Plaka neighborhood. If you're staying in the city center, you can easily walk to the temple.

By public transportation: Athens has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. The nearest metro station to the Temple of Olympian Zeus is the Acropolis station, which is on the red line. From there, it's just a short walk to the temple.

By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Athens, and can be a convenient way to reach the temple if you're short on time or don't want to walk. Just be aware that traffic in Athens can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

By hop-on-hop-off bus: If you're a tourist, you might consider taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Athens. Many of these tours stop at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, making it easy to visit the temple and other popular attractions in the city.

Best Time To Visit - The best time to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer (June to August) can be very hot and crowded, while winter (December to February) can be rainy and chilly.

Opening Hours:

Everyday 8 Am to 3 Pm

Faq's for Temple Of Olympian Zeus Athens

What is the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is an ancient Greek temple located in the heart of Athens. It was built over several centuries, starting in the 6th century BCE, and is dedicated to the god Zeus.

How much does it cost to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

The entrance fee for the Temple of Olympian Zeus is €6 for adults and €3 for students. Children under 18 years old enter for free.

Must Checkout: Temple of Olympian Zeus Tickets

What are the opening hours of the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

The temple is open to visitors every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer (April to October) and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in the winter (November to March).

Do Checkout: Temple of Zeus

What should I wear when visiting the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the temple is a large site that requires a lot of walking. In addition, visitors should dress appropriately, covering their shoulders and knees out of respect for the temple's historical and religious significance.

Can I take photos inside the temple?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the temple, but the use of flash photography and tripods is not permitted.

Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the temple is wheelchair accessible, but some parts of the site may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.

What else is there to see near the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

The temple is located near several other popular attractions in Athens, including the Acropolis, the National Gardens, and the Plaka neighborhood.

The content and images used on this site are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners.