Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Basics

Most sightseeing tours of Athens include a stop at the Temple of Zeus, whether they are full-day or half-day tours. If you have a special interest in ancient Athens, you may want to book a small-group or private walking tour with an expert guide. A unified ticket valid for five days is available for the Temple of Zeus and other Athens archaeological sites and museums such as the Acropolis Museum, Hadrian’s Library, Ancient Agora, and Lykeion.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Admission is free on certain Sundays and holidays throughout the year.

• The temple is accessible to wheelchair users.

• The entire site is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.

How to Get to There

The Temple of Zeus is about a quarter mile (0.4 kilometers) southeast of the Acropolis in the center of Athens, and stands the same distance south of Syntagma Square and the Parliament Building. Walk along Vasilissis Amalias Avenue from Syntagma Square, passing by the National Gardens and the edge of the famous Plaka neighborhood. The nearest metro station is Akropoli, about 1,650 feet (500 meters) from the entrance.

When to Get There

The Temple of Zeus is open year-round, with slightly longer hours in summer. Visit early in the day to beat the crowd—and, in summer, the heat.

The Archaeological Site of Olympieion

The Temple of Olympian Zeus forms part of the larger site of Olympieion, which gives visitors a glimpse into the ancient city of Athens. The site includes the Temple of the Delphinian Apollo and the Law Court at the Delphinion, both dating to 500 BC; the gates of the Themistoclean Wall, dating to around 479 BC; and public baths dating to AD 124–132. Just outside the fences of the site stands Hadrian’s Arch, which dates back to AD 131.

Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus worth visiting?

If you’re focused on all things Ancient Athens, then the Temple of Olympian Zeus is worth a visit—even if it’s just a quick stop to snap a photo. Read up on the site’s history to help you visualize the temple's glory in its ancient heyday.

How long do you need at the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

You don’t need to spend long at the Temple of Olympian Zeus. A short visit of around 15 minutes will give you an idea of the sheer size and significance of the original temple. Many sightseeing tickets include the temple and other nearby sites, making trip planning easier.

Can you visit the Statue of Zeus?

No. The Statue of Zeus once stood inside the Temple of Olympian Zeus. However, the temple was destroyed around 426 BC, and the statue is thought to have disappeared or been destroyed some years later in Constantinople. No accurate copies of the Statue of Zeus exist, so visits aren’t possible.

Do I need tickets for the Temple of Zeus?

Entry to the Temple of Olympian Zeus is free for EU (European Union) citizens under 25, children under five, and disabled visitors. All other visitors need tickets to enter the Temple of Zeus site. These can be bought online or at the on-site ticket office.

Why was the Statue of Zeus at Olympia destroyed?

There are two conflicting theories behind the disappearance of the Statue of Zeus. Some say the statue was destroyed with the Temple of Zeus when Emperor Theodosius decided to purge pagan temples. Others say the statue survived, was transported to Constantinople, and burned anyway.

Is the Temple of Zeus a wonder of the world?

The Temple of Olympian Zeus isn’t a wonder of the world; however, the Statue of Zeus (once inside the temple) was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue was a prized work of art by the Greek sculptor Phidias and was lauded for its size and opulence.

Ways to explore

Most sightseeing tours of Athens include a stop at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, just steps from Plaka and Hadrian’s Arch. Visit it along with the Acropolis, Ancient Agora of Athens, and other essential attractions on a full-day tour by private vehicle, or zip past it on a bike or Segway tour of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. If you have a special interest in ancient Athens, it’s best to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus on a small-group or private walking tour with an archaeologist guide.

Accessibility

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is accessible for visitors with limited mobility—ideally with a companion due to the somewhat rocky paths.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, sunscreen

What to wear

There’s no shade at the open-air archaeological site, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Smoking, non-service animals, littering, veering off marked paths

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms

Address

Located in central Athens just east of the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is convenient to reach on foot from the Parthenon, Syntagma Square, and other important sights. If you’d rather not walk, you can get there by car, bus, or metro.

Driving

It’s not recommended for visitors to drive through central Athens, where traffic is heavy and parking is limited. Fortunately, taxis and rideshare apps are widely available to get you to the temple from anywhere in the city.

Public transportation

The Acropoli metro station (line M2) is just outside the temple, as is the Makrygiannē transit stop, on several bus and trolley bus lines. If you’re coming from anywhere in central Athens, though, it’s often faster to walk.

Best times to visit

Since shade is hard to come by at the outdoor Temple of Olympian Zeus, head there first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Best days to visit

Save money by visiting the temple on free-admission days, listed on the attraction’s website, or go whenever the weather allows—the archaeological site is open daily.

Best months to visit

Aim to see the temple from April to May or September to October, when pleasant daytime temperatures are perfect for a walk around the outdoor attraction.