Temple of Olympian Zeus

Work on the temple began in the sixth century BC, and it was finished only under Hadrian in the second century AD, which is why the columns are Corinthian. Fifteen of the original 104 columns still stand, and a sixteenth lies where it fell. The site is a flat open area with paths and a view toward the Acropolis. The visit is quick, and the scale of the columns is the point.

What to look for

• The fifteen standing Corinthian columns
• The fallen column on the ground
• Hadrian's Arch beside the site
• The Acropolis between the columns

Opening hours

From 1 to 15 October the site opens 08:00 to 18:30, and from 16 to 30 October 08:00 to 18:00. Winter hours are 08:00 to 15:00 and summer hours 08:00 to 20:00. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing in October. Closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December and 26 December. Entry is free on 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October. Road works on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue mean the area around Hadrian's Gate is closed to the public.

Source: Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Odysseus), checked October 5, 2026

Tickets and booking

Adult ticket €20. The standard adult ticket is 20 euros and the reduced ticket is 10 euros.

Getting there

Akropoli station on Metro line 2 is about seven minutes on foot.

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Tip

Late afternoon gives the best light on the columns. The visit is short, so pair it with the Acropolis Museum or the stadium.