Attraction Guide: Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus Guide

Stand in Awe of Giants: The Colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus Guide

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Although only a few towering columns remain standing today, they offer a powerful glimpse into the grandeur and ambition of ancient Athenian architecture. This colossal temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods, and its construction spanned centuries. The temple's construction began in the 6th century BC under the Peisistratid tyrants, but it was abandoned for centuries due to political upheaval. Work resumed in the Hellenistic period and was finally completed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. The temple was renowned for its massive size and the opulent statue of Zeus that it housed. Sadly, the temple was later damaged by earthquakes and plundered for building materials, leaving only a fraction of its former glory. Visitors can wander among the remaining columns, marveling at their size and intricate details. Imagine the temple in its full splendor, adorned with sculptures and surrounded by other impressive structures. The site also includes the Arch of Hadrian, a Roman triumphal arch that marked the boundary between the ancient city and Hadrian's new city. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the temple itself, the nearby Plaka district offers a wide variety of traditional Greek restaurants and cafes.