The Temple of Olympian Zeus

This temple is the largest in Greece and was once referred to as the ‘Mother of all temples’. Construction began in the 6 th century B.C. and was completed in 131 A.D, about 700 years later by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Zeus’ statue made of gold and ivory is located here. The temple is about 56 feet high and its columns are made of Pentelic marble.

Located near by is Hadrian’s Arch another sight to behold; its enormity corresponds with Hadrian’s enormous ego for he has inscribed in it the words: ‘This is the city of Adrian, not of Theseus’.