The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is a monument to ambition on an extraordinary scale. Begun around 515 BCE under the Athenian tyrant Peisistratos, the temple was not completed until the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian, roughly 650 years later. Of its 104 Corinthian columns, 15 remain standing, their towering forms giving a sense of the immense sanctuary once dedicated to Zeus.
Southeast of the Acropolis, the archaeological site offers a quieter counterpoint to its famous neighbour. One column lies on the ground, toppled in a storm in 1852, with its enormous stone drums spread out for close inspection. Nearby, Hadrian’s Arch carries inscriptions invoking both ancient Athens and Hadrian’s city, a reminder of the Roman emperor’s lasting imprint on the Greek capital.
The site is largely exposed, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen in summer, and wear comfortable shoes for the uneven ground. Late afternoon light is particularly good for photographs of the columns and the Acropolis beyond; check current opening hours and ticket arrangements before you go.