Hadrian’s Arch | Jerash

Information

Landmark: Hadrian’s Arch
City: Jerash
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Hadrian’s Arch, Jerash, Jordan, Asia

Hadrian’s Arch is a monumental gateway located in central Athens, situated on Amalias Avenue southeast of the Acropolis. It was constructed in the 2nd century AD to span the ancient road leading from the city center to the Temple of Olympian Zeus complex.

Visual Characteristics

The arch stands 18 meters tall, 13.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters deep, constructed entirely of Pentelic marble without mortar or cement. The structure is composed of two distinct levels: the lower level features a single arched passageway 6.5 meters wide, while the upper level (attic) contains three rectangular openings framed by Corinthian columns and topped by a central triangular pediment. The marble exhibits natural inclusions and weathering discoloration due to its lower grade compared to that of the nearby Parthenon.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is positioned at the junction of Vasilissis Amalias Avenue and Lysikratous Street. It is accessible via the Athens Metro Red Line (M2) at the Akropoli station, located 300 meters to the west. Multiple trolleybus lines (1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 15) and bus routes (209, 227, 230) stop at the "Makrygianni" or "Hadrian's Arch" stations directly adjacent to the site. Vehicle parking is limited to metered "White Zone" spaces on side streets or private garages in the nearby Plaka district.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Built between 131 and 132 AD, the arch was commissioned by the citizens of Athens to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian following his extensive benefactions to the city. It served as a symbolic marker between the ancient Greek city and the newly expanded Roman districts. The marble was sourced from the Pentelikon quarry, located approximately 18 kilometers northeast of the construction site.

Key Highlights & Activities

The arch features two famous inscriptions on its frieze; the side facing the Acropolis reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus," while the opposite side reads "This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus." Visitors can view the monument for free from the public sidewalk 24 hours a day. Pedestrian paths connect the arch directly to the entrance of the Temple of Olympian Zeus archaeological site.

Infrastructure & Amenities

As a standalone monument on a public thoroughfare, the arch has no internal facilities. Public restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Temple of Olympian Zeus archaeological park (requires admission) or the Acropolis Museum. 5G and 4G cellular signals are consistently strong throughout the area. Numerous cafes and restaurants are located within 100 meters in the Plaka and Koukaki neighborhoods.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal photography lighting occurs in the early morning for the eastern face (Hadrian’s inscription) and late afternoon for the western face (Theseus’s inscription). The monument is particularly striking at night when it is illuminated by municipal floodlights. High summer temperatures suggest visiting before 10:00 or after 18:00 to avoid heat exposure on the unshaded sidewalk.

Facts & Legends

While often called "Hadrian's Gate," the structure was never part of a defensive wall until the 18th century, when it was incorporated into the "Haseki Wall" built by the Ottoman governor to protect the city from Albanian raiders. A local historical oddity is that despite being a Roman-commissioned monument, the upper level’s design mirrors the Greek Propylaea, representing a deliberate architectural fusion of both cultures.