Temple of Olympian Zeus
Attikí
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, located in Athens, Greece, is one of the most significant and ancient sanctuaries dedicated to the god Zeus. Its construction began in 515 BC under Peisistratos the Younger on the site of an earlier 6th-century BC temple but was interrupted with the fall of tyranny. The initial temple was built in a late archaic Doric style using poros stone. Construction resumed in 175 BC under King Antiochus IV of Syria with the Roman architect Cossutius, who redesigned it in the grand Corinthian order using marble. The temple was ultimately completed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 131-132 AD. Measuring approximately 110 by 44 meters, it featured two rows of 20 columns on the long sides and three rows of 8 columns on the short sides. The temple housed two gigantic chryselephantine statues of Zeus and Emperor Hadrian, worshipped as symbols, and was surrounded by numerous statues and votive offerings. The temple fell into ruin beginning in the 5th century AD due to natural decay and human interventions. During Ottoman rule, part of the site served as an open-air mosque, and medieval structures were built on its remains. Today, 15 of the original 104 columns survive, with one lost to a storm in 1852. The temple's monumental scale and architectural grandeur make it a unique testament to ancient religious and imperial power in Athens.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the soft lighting on the marble columns. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to ensure entry. Visitors can combine their visit with nearby attractions such as the Acropolis and the National Garden for a full day of exploring Athens' ancient heritage. Modest discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are advisable due to the open archaeological site.
Faits intéressants
- •The temple originally had 104 colossal Corinthian columns, each about 17 meters tall.
- •Two enormous chryselephantine statues of Zeus and Emperor Hadrian stood inside, symbolizing divine and imperial power.
- •The temple took over 600 years to complete due to interruptions and political changes.
- •During Ottoman rule, part of the temple complex was converted into an open-air mosque.
- •A severe storm in 1852 caused the collapse of one of the remaining columns, reducing the number to 15 today.
Histoire
The temple's origins trace back to the 6th century BC with an earlier sanctuary on the site.
Construction of the grand temple began in 515 BC under Peisistratos the Younger but was halted shortly after due to political upheaval.
The project remained unfinished for centuries until King Antiochus IV restarted it in the 2nd century BC, adopting a new Corinthian design.
Roman Emperor Hadrian completed the temple in the early 2nd century AD, dedicating it in 131-132 AD.
It stood as one of the largest temples of the ancient world.
The temple gradually fell into ruin by the 5th century AD and suffered further damage during the Ottoman period when parts were repurposed for Islamic worship and medieval uses.
Guide du lieu
The Surviving Columns2nd century BC - 2nd century AD
Fifteen massive Corinthian columns remain standing, providing a glimpse of the temple's original scale and grandeur. Each column is approximately 17 meters tall and exemplifies classical Corinthian design.
Temple's Cellar (Naos)131-132 AD
The main chamber once housed two enormous chryselephantine statues of Zeus and Emperor Hadrian, worshipped as a symbol of divine and imperial authority. Though the statues no longer survive, the temple's foundations indicate their monumental size.
Northern Propylaea (Entrance)2nd century BC - 2nd century AD
The temple was accessed through a grand northern gateway leading into a large rectangular enclosure, which contained the temple and numerous statues and votive offerings decorating the precinct.
Contact
Téléphone: 21 0922 6330