Arch of Hadrian, Athens is one of the prominent Tourist Attractions in Athens. It is a colossal monumental gateway that was raised as the tribute to the Roman king Hadrian. Placed at the center of the historical city of Athens, Arch of Hadrian, Athens is close to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This arch gateway demands praise because of the wonderful construction and design. It is said that the arch was built in the 2nd century AD. It was built along the line of roads that runs from Acropolis and the Athenian Agora to the Olympieion and southeast Athens. You can site this arch gateway at a distance of 325 meters southeast of the city of Acropolis.
Arch of Hadrian, Athens has an inscription written over it that states that city is of Hadrian and not of Theseus. The whole of the structure was built of the beautiful Pentelic marble. This special raw material laws collected from Mount Pentelikon. This same marble was used in the creation of several other notable structure of Athens. The construction of the arch required great artistic skills and reflects the great talent of the artisans. It is Interesting to note that the arch was built without any cement or mortar. It is made out of pure marble and is supported by the clamps to keep the cut stones in place. This wonder of Athens is a huge structure that stands 18 meter in height, 2.3 meter in depth and 13.5 meter in width. It is a fully symmetrical structure that draws large number of tourists every year.
At the higher level of the Arch of Hadrian in Athens, you can find a series of Corinthian columns that divide the whole structure in to three distinct parts. This arch simply reflects the triumphs of the Romans. The passageways of the arch also show great architectural talents. At the lower level of the Arch of Hadrian, Athens, you can find various beautiful statues. The statues of Hadrian and Theseus stand out. The inscriptions at the arch gateway are carved on both sides. At the northwest side it reads “this is Athens, the ancient city if Theseus”. The southeast side tells us that “ this is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus”. Various measures are being taken to preserve this ancient Arch of Hadrian, Athens.
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