Hadrian's Library, Athens
While not much remains of this Roman-era library today, it must have been a marvel during its heyday in the 2nd century AD when it enclosed a cloistered court with a hundred columns. Emperor Hadrian, a fervent admirer of Greek culture (earning him the nickname "Graecula" or "Little Greek"), outfitted this expansive complex with art galleries, lecture halls, and a grand central public space. His rule marked an era of peace and prosperity, fostering the flourishing of arts and culture; that left an indelible mark on the Roman Empire.
During Hadrian's time, the library served as a repository for valuable papyrus scrolls and various artworks. It suffered damage during the Herules invasion but was later restored by the Roman leader of Athens, Herculius. Over time, the ruins became the site of three churches: a Byzantine church dating back to the 5th century, a 7th-century church, and a 12th-century cathedral.
The site has only recently become accessible to the public and is still undergoing excavation; however, a few original Corinthian columns have endured, providing a sense of the library's impressive scale. It's particularly striking to realize that the Tetraconch Church, whose remains lie at the center of the site, was constructed entirely within the library's internal courtyard.
Tip:
Admission is included with the Acropolis ticket, so it's certainly worth a visit. Alternatively, you can get a sense of the site by strolling along the fenced perimeter and peering through.
During Hadrian's time, the library served as a repository for valuable papyrus scrolls and various artworks. It suffered damage during the Herules invasion but was later restored by the Roman leader of Athens, Herculius. Over time, the ruins became the site of three churches: a Byzantine church dating back to the 5th century, a 7th-century church, and a 12th-century cathedral.
The site has only recently become accessible to the public and is still undergoing excavation; however, a few original Corinthian columns have endured, providing a sense of the library's impressive scale. It's particularly striking to realize that the Tetraconch Church, whose remains lie at the center of the site, was constructed entirely within the library's internal courtyard.
Tip:
Admission is included with the Acropolis ticket, so it's certainly worth a visit. Alternatively, you can get a sense of the site by strolling along the fenced perimeter and peering through.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hadrian's Library on Map
Sight Name: Hadrian's Library
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto鈥檚 queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatz铆ki, dolm谩des, kalamar谩kia) can constitute a full meal. Greece鈥檚 most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The 鈥渘eighborhood of the Gods鈥�, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
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