Read both sides
The inscription facing the Acropolis says: "This is Athens, the former city of Theseus." The one facing the Olympieion says: "This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus."
Urban Tales › Athens › Arch of Hadrian
Arch of Hadrian: the history, and the two inscriptions
Built in marble around AD 131–132 to honour the emperor Hadrian, this gateway stands on the road from the old city to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for as you walk under it.
Built≈ AD 131–132
MarblePentelic
Height≈ 18 m
Width≈ 13.5 m
Hear the Arch of Hadrian story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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A border that wasn't
The arch was long thought to divide old Athens from a new Roman quarter. Excavations have shown that wasn't so; the inscriptions honour Hadrian as a benefactor of the city.
3
No mortar
The marble blocks are held together with metal clamps rather than cement, and have stood that way for almost 1,900 years.
TipThe arch stands on busy Amalias Avenue, so cross with care. The cleanest view is from the Olympieion side; then walk through towards the temple. With Urban Tales running, the arch's story plays as you get close.
Nearby landmarks
Arch of Hadrian: common questions
What do the inscriptions on Hadrian's Arch say?
One side reads "This is Athens, the former city of Theseus"; the other reads "This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus."
When was Hadrian's Arch built?
Around AD 131 or 132, probably by the people of Athens, to honour the emperor Hadrian.
Where is Hadrian's Arch?
On Amalias Avenue, next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, about 325 metres southeast of the Acropolis.