Experts' Choice Award Temple of Olympian Zeus
What the experts agree on
Colossal ancient temple whose towering columns vividly convey its former grandeur as one of the Greek world's largest structures, completed by Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 with a now-lost gold-and-ivory Zeus statue.
“The temple was only completed in 132 A.D., under Emperor Hadrian, who erected a huge statue to Zeus.”
– Michelin Guide
Fodor's "This gigantic temple was completed in AD 132 by Hadrian, who also commissioned a huge gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus for the inner chamber." Full review
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The site is floodlighted on summer evenings, creating a majestic scene
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"You can’t miss this striking marvel, smack in the centre of Athens." Full review
Afar Magazine "Those pillars are impressive, and they give you a great idea of just how colossus this temple once was." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"This temple, whose ruins stand beyond the Arch of Hadrian, was one of the largest in the Greek world (107m by 41m)." Full review
Frommer's "The Olympieion, also known as the Kolonnes (Columns), was one of the largest temples in the ancient world." Full review
"Many first-timers in Athens do a double take upon seeing the Temple of Olympian Zeus — hey wait, doesn't that look like it should be part of the Parthenon? There are certainly..."
Lonely Planet "Just next to the Arch is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest of the era. It was constructed in the 6th century BC but remained unfinished through the 'Golden Century' of..."
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At Leoforos Vas. Olgas and Amalias and easily seen from the street, Athens, Greece
