Monumental Arch of Hadrian – Landmark of Ancient Athens
The first monument I sighted in Athens was the Arch of Hadrian, the landmark of Ancient Athens! A monument dating back to 132 AD, that is almost 2000 years! It was overwhelming! What I didn’t know then was that this was just the beginning! Mind blowing, awe inspiring stuffs lined up in Athens and in many more parts of Greece!
History says the arch was built to celebrate the arrival of Roman Emperor Hadrian to Athens. Arch of Hadrian was made on an ancient street that connected ancient Athens to Temple of Olympian Zeus. The two inscriptions on the arch, facing in opposite directions mention both Theseus and Hadrian as founders of Athens. The remains of wall painting suggest that it was a part of Christian church in the middle ages.
Greek inscriptions on the 2 facades just above the main arch mention on the Acropolis side, “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” and, on the opposite side, “This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus.”
A plaque there mentions: It was converted into a gate of the defence wall around Athens and was known as Princess Gate. You can approach it from Syntagma Square or from Acropolis as you go towards Temple of Zeus. There it continues to stand tall and broad silently watching centuries pass by as a symbol of Athens’s grandeur.
The view from road got several vehicles in to the frame. The view from Temple of Olympian Zeus’ side was better. Thankfully the sky was clear and it looked majestic against the bright blue sky, the photographers around too took full advantage of the photo opportunity. Best part of visiting Arch of Hadrian is that there are no charges for viewing it! It is free.
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As usual great post !
Wow. Good for you, the clear skies did give us these wonderful pics 🙂
Impressive structure with some age-old charm.
I'm desperate to see all that you saw during your Greece-tour. Have a good week, Indrani.
It's surely built to last. Beautiful blue sky.
Nice picture.
Beautiful post! It is a sheer thrill to witness such ancient edifices. I dream of visiting Greece some day. Thanks for a glimpse 🙂
The potent of the arched structure is quite impressive! Glad the sky opens up to great photo opportunity. Excellent
Looks like a fantastic sight to see.
Interesting Read….Well narrated…
Great images of the arch against that beautiful blue sky. Like the details you captured…
Beautifully captured Indrani 🙂
Superb !
Just from the photos, I'm overwhelmed with the arch's size and beauty. Wow!
Wow! I love the costumes and arts of ancient Greece and I still remember how I loved teaching them to my students. You have helped me to know more about Greece 🙂 Thanks a lot!
TC! Keep smiling 🙂
Wow! Only the unique arch left
The arch is huge and beautiful. It seems amazing that it has withstood time so elegantly.
Looks magnificent!
Gorgeous blue skies and a lovely bit of history.
Well it figures that the skies over Greece would be gorgeous. Love your photos.
It is a beautiful arch..Wonderful photos from your trip! Greece is on my bucket list. Have a happy weekend!
And beautiful captures of beautiful old relics, Indrani!! Thanks for the memories! I do love Greece!! Have a lovely weekend!!
beautiful old relics!