Arch of Hadrian - Athens - Greece
Posted by: 
CADS11
N 37° 58.212 E 023° 43.922
34S E 739984 N 4206030
The Arch of Hadrian, most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate, is a monumental gateway resembling a Roman triumphal arch.
Waymark Code: WMY6D5
Location: Greece
Date Posted: 04/30/2018
Views: 7
Information from the sign:
This triumphal arch, made of Pentelic marble, lies on an ancient street that led from the old city of Athens to the new section, built by Hadrian. It was constructed by the Athenians in A.D. 131-132, in honor of their benefactor emperor. The monument, which is 18 m. high and 13 m. wide and is in the Corinthian order, has two identical facades and is divided vertically into two distinct sections. The lower follows the form of a Roman honorary arch, while the upper imitates the traditional Greek propylon. Two inscriptions are carved on the architrave, one on each side: the first, on the side towards the Acropolis reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus"; the second, on the other side, facing the new city, reads "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus". The remains of wall-paintings may suggest that in the Middle Ages the arch was part of a Christian church. In 1778 it was converted into a gate of the defence wall around Athens, and was known as the "Princess Gate".
Visit Instructions:
Please provide another photo of the location. You don't have to be in there shot, but you can. The photo requirement is to discourage any armchair visiting.