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Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens)

Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas, Athina,

Description

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, a.k.a. the Olympieion, was the largest temple in Greece. Construction started in the 6th century BC, under the rule of the Athenian tyrants, but the structure was only completed under Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, by which time the style had changed from Doric to Corinthian. Once finished, it had 104 columns with a height of 17m (3 rows at the front and back and 2 rows of 20 on the sides) but only 16 remain standing today.

Access & Transport

The site is located in the southern part of central Athens, across the main thoroughfare of Leof. Vasillisis Amalias from the southern slopes of the Acropolis Hill and the Acropolis metro station (2).

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this attraction with the neighbouring Panathenaic Stadium and/or the Athens National Garden & Zappeion Hall. The Acropolis Museum is also just across the road.

Meta review

Part of the usual list of things to see in Athens according to guidebooks, the online comments from visitors do not necessarily endorse that view as very little remains of the temple and, at the time of this review, there were some renovation work ongoing with scaffolding that were hiding most of the columns. Nice to see from the outside but not necessarily worth the admission price or a special detour according to the majority of reviewers.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral and part of the city's architectural & historical heritages.

Conclusion

Had the temple been erect still, it would have been a sight to behold but in its current state it is only really worth a detour to learn more about its dimensions and why it took so long to complete

Key positive

Interesting historical & architectural background

Key negative

Not much that remains standing

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

March 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Orthodox Easter Sunday, 01 May, 25 & 26 Dec, 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 35m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY08:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY08:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:00 - 15:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 15:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 15:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 15:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 15:00

SATURDAY08:00 - 15:00

SUNDAY08:00 - 15:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€8
Adult
26 - 64
€8
Teen & Young
12 - 25
€4
Child
5 - 11
€4
Infant
0 - 4
€0
For nationals of EU countries: 4€ for seniors 65+ and free for youth up to 25yr old

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