Explore Hadrian’s Library, a grand structure built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian during his visit to Athens in 131-132 A.D. Once a bustling center of learning, art, and culture, the library now stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of ancient Rome in Greece.
- Roman Architecture: Admire the impressive Corinthian columns and the monumental gateway that mark the entrance to this historic site.
- Cultural Hub: Discover the library’s role as a multifunctional space for reading, lectures, and worship, reflecting its importance in Athenian society.
- Historical Layers: See the remains of the various churches built on the site, including a Byzantine church from the 11th century.
- Interior Courtyard: Imagine the grandeur of the library’s interior courtyard, once adorned with marble columns, alabaster roofs, and intricate paintings.
- Hadrian's Library Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket
Timed entry tickets are required for all visitors
We would like to inform you that from April 1st 2024, entry is only possible during the selected time slot. The ticket is valid from 15 min. before to 15 min. after the selected time slot. For example, if your time slot is 12:00, you can enter anytime between 12:00 and 13:00. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your selected time slot to ensure a smooth entry process.
Regarding the Athens Saver Combo ticket, the mandatory selection of the date and time of visit only applies to the Acropolis & Slopes. Within 5 days you can visit the rest of the Archaeological Sites.
Hours
From 1st of April until 31 of August 08:00 - 20:00
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 - 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 - 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 - 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 - 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30
Location
The archaeological site to be visited is delimited by the following streets:
In the North, by the Pandrosou street.
In the West, by the Areos street where the main entrance of the site is located.
In the South, by Dexippou street where the entrance with immobility affairs is located.
In the East, by Aiolou street.
Information for Disabled Persons
The Archaeological Site of the Library of Hadrian is only partially wheelchair accessible through the lateral entrance, at Dexippou street [assistance by a companion is advisable and after communication with the chief guards in 210-3210180].
- Non-refundable
2024 MegaPass by
Hadrian's Library is a magnificent relic of ancient Athens, constructed during the third visit of Emperor Hadrian in 131-132 A.D. This impressive building, designed in the style of a Roman forum, was far more than just a library; it was a multifunctional space that served as a center for art, culture, and civic activities.
The library was a large rectangular structure, featuring an open courtyard surrounded by four stoas, or covered walkways, each lined with towering columns made of Phrygian marble. The entrance to the library was marked by a grand propylon, a monumental gateway supported by four Corinthian columns, also crafted from marble. Inside, the library housed countless books and scrolls, kept in niches and wooden cupboards within the two-story building on the eastern side.
Hadrian’s Library was not only a place for storing knowledge but also a venue for public lectures, art exhibitions, and even religious worship, reflecting its importance in Athenian society. The central courtyard, once graced with alabaster roofs and ornate paintings, provided a tranquil setting for scholars and citizens to engage in intellectual pursuits.
Unfortunately, the library suffered significant damage during the Herulian invasion in 267 A.D. However, it was later restored by Herculius, the Prefect of Illyricum, in the early 5th century A.D. Over time, the site evolved, with new structures being built upon its ruins. In the 5th century, a tetraconch church was constructed in the courtyard, which was later replaced by a Byzantine basilica in the 7th century. By the 11th century, a small church known as Megali Panaghia was erected on the site, only to be demolished in 1885.
Today, visitors to Hadrian's Library can still see the remains of these various historical layers, including fragments of the Byzantine church and a wall painting depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The site stands as a fascinating testament to the enduring legacy of Roman architecture and its influence on the cultural landscape of Athens.
Whether you're an enthusiast of ancient history or simply curious about the Roman influence on Greek culture, Hadrian’s Library offers a unique glimpse into the past and the rich tapestry of Athens’ history.