Description of the attraction
Arch of Hadrian is a monumental gate, somewhat reminiscent of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Rome. This building is located in the city of Athens on Amalis Avenue.
The arch was built in 131 AD. in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian on the ancient road that led from the center of Athens, or rather, its oldest district of Plaka, to the complex of buildings in the eastern part of the city, among which was the Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympion). It is not known who exactly ordered the arch, and who was involved in the construction and design, although most likely they were citizens of Athens.
On the wall in the center above the ceiling on both sides, two inscriptions are carved, calling both Theseus and Hadrian the founders of Athens. On the side of the acropolis, the inscription reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus." On the side of Olympion, the inscription indicates that "This is the city of Hadrian, not Theseus." Researchers believe that the arch divided the city into an old and a new part. There is also a second version, according to which the inscription from the side of the new city testifies to the special role of the Roman emperor in the life and development of Athens, for which the grateful townspeople decided to perpetuate the memory of him. The new part of the city was called Adrianapolis.
The arch is 18 m high, 13.5 m wide, and 2.3 m deep. It was built of white Pentelikon marble, which was used in the construction of many Athenian buildings, for example, the Parthenon and the Panathinaikos stadium. Although it should be noted that for the arch marble of a lower quality was used, with various admixtures. At the same time, the arch was carved out of solid marble, without the use of cement or other building mixtures. Separate parts of the structure were fastened with special brackets of a special design. The arch is completely symmetrical about the central opening.
In 2006-2008, this historical monument was reconstructed.
