Arch of Hadrian

Hadrian's Gate, in Athens

Hadrian's Gate is a monumental ancient arch, raised in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian. The Athens audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this monument, which symbolically marked the boundary between ancient Athens and the Roman city.

An arch on the boundary of two cities

Hadrian's Gate, or Arch of Hadrian, was raised in the second century in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian, a great benefactor of Athens. This marble arch symbolically marked the boundary between the old Greek city and the new Roman city, as indicated by inscriptions engraved on its two faces. Located near the temple of Olympian Zeus, it testifies to the Roman golden age of the city.

What to see

You admire the monumental marble arch and its inscriptions, which marked the boundary between Greek Athens and the Roman city, near the temple of Olympian Zeus. Hadrian's Gate illustrates the Roman golden age of the city. It is a stop for lovers of ancient history, in the heart of Athens.

Practical information

Hadrian's Gate lies in the heart of Athens, near the temple of Olympian Zeus and the Plaka district, reachable on foot. It is an open-air monument, freely visible at all times from the public space, with no ticket office. You admire it during a walk in the centre.

Why was Hadrian's Gate built?

In honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian; the arch symbolically marked the boundary between Greek Athens and the Roman city.

Where is Hadrian's Gate?

In the heart of Athens, near the temple of Olympian Zeus and Plaka.