Athens Arch of Hadrian

The Arch of Hadrian in Athens is a Roman triumphal monument located close to Syntagma Square, positioned between two of the city’s most important landmarks: the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. To the northwest, it faces toward the Lysicrates Monument in the historic district of Plaka. Its construction began in 131 AD, intended to honor the arrival of Emperor Hadrian and express gratitude for his contributions to Athens. The original designer and builders remain unknown.

Its placement was carefully chosen rather than arbitrary. The arch symbolically marked the boundary between the ancient city of Athens and the new district developed under Hadrian’s influence.

Built from high-quality Pentelic marble, the structure stands about 18 meters tall, 12.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters deep. Its design follows typical Roman architectural traditions, featuring strong symmetry and Corinthian-style decorative elements at the top. The monument is structured in two levels. The lower section contains a central arched passageway that pedestrians can still walk through today. Originally, the upper portion included columns connected by architraves, though these elements no longer survive.

Two carved inscriptions appear on opposite sides of the architrave. The inscription facing the Acropolis reads: “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” while the one facing outward toward the newer district states: “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus.” These inscriptions reflect the expansion of the city under Roman influence and the distinction between old and new Athens.

Although the monument was never fully enclosed or protected, it has endured for many centuries in relatively good condition. In recent decades, however, exposure to urban pollution has led to noticeable discoloration of the marble and gradual erosion of the inscriptions.

How to reach the Arch of Hadrian

There are multiple convenient ways to visit the Arch of Hadrian from anywhere in Athens.

Guided tours: The monument can be visited as part of organized sightseeing tours that include historical commentary and nearby attractions.

Private transport: Travelers can arrange pre-booked transfers via taxi, minibus, or private vehicle, with pickup available from the airport, port, or hotels. Local taxi services and online booking options are also widely used.

Walking: Because of its central location, the arch is easily accessible on foot, with Syntagma Metro Station about a 10-minute walk away.

Metro: The nearest station is Akropoli on the Red Line. From there, it is only a short walk of approximately five minutes to reach the monument.

Bus and trolleybus: Numerous public transport routes serve the surrounding area, with several stops located nearby. Updated schedules and route information can be found through Athens public transport services.