Hadrian-Gate

To the northwest of the temple of Olympian Zeus, outside its peribolos, stands today an imposing triumphal arch, known as the Arch or Gate of Hadrian. It was erected in 131/2 or 135 CE by the Athenians to honour the Roman Emperor Hadrian, patron and benefactor of the city.

The Arch of Hadrian is 18 metres high and 13 metres wide and is made of Pentelic marble. It is articulated in two levels, combining the classical tradition with Roman architecture. Its lower part resembles a Roman honorary arch, while the upper part follows the design of a Greek propylon. The central passage is formed by an arched opening with pilasters on either side crowned with Corinthian pilaster-capitals. The pilasters at the edges, also topped with Corinthian capitals, bear an Ionic architrave. The upper part is divided by piers in three compartments, with the central one shaped as a naiskos and crowned by a pediment.

On both sides of the Arch, on the architrave, there are inscriptions which define the monument as a boundary separating the old city of Theseus from the new city of Hadrian. Indeed, its position at the crossroads of ancient roads, determined by the pre-existing urban planning, symbolically demarcated the old from the new city. The road that passed through the gate led to the temple of Zeus and connected the city with the sanctuaries located on the banks of Ilissos river.

Adrian, an admirer of Athens’ illustrious past, regarded the city as his second homeland and engaged in an extensive building program, contributing to the enhancement of its grandeur and making it the centre of Greco-Roman civilization. Under his initiative, the city expanded to the east, into the present-day area of Zappeion and the National Garden, and was named Adrianoupolis or New Athens. In this suburban area, which was among the most beautiful in Athens, sacred sites, public buildings, gymnasia, and luxurious residences were erected. In old Athens, new public buildings were constructed, such as the Library, older structures were embellished, and special attention was given to the road network, drainage, and water supply of the city. Among Adrian’s most significant public works for Athens was the construction of the famous aqueduct with colossal arches, which transported water from Penteli to the city.

The Arch of Hadrian did not suffer destruction in late antiquity, and during the period of the Ottoman occupation it was incorporated into the so-called “Wall of Haseki”. It was used as a gate and the inhabitants called it the “door of the royal lady” or “Kamaroporta”. In 1834, after the establishment of the Greek state, the Athenians welcomed King Otto there.