Hadrian's Library: A Roman Emperor's Gift to Athens
Explore the ruins of Hadrian's Library in Athens, a testament to Roman Emperor Hadrian's vision for the city as a cultural hub.
Explore the ruins of Hadrian's Library, a grand structure built in 132 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian as a cultural center for Athens. Once the city's largest library, it housed thousands of scrolls and served as a meeting place for intellectuals.
A brief summary to Hadrian's Library
- Κ, Areos 3, Τ, Athens, 105 55, GR
- +302103249350
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ancient Agora and Roman Agora for a comprehensive historical experience.
- Take some time to research the history of the library beforehand to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the site.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces and exploring the ruins.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Hadrian's Library is easily accessible via the Athens Metro. Take Line 1 (Green) or Line 3 (Blue) to Monastiraki Station. The library entrance is a short, 2-minute walk from the station, located on Areos Street, next to the Tzistarakis Mosque. A single metro ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, a day ticket is available for €4.10.
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Walking
If you are already in the city center, particularly near Monastiraki Square or the Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library is easily reachable on foot. The entrance is located on Areos Street, a few steps from Monastiraki Square. Walking from Syntagma Square will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. You can hail a taxi from the street or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or FreeNow. A short taxi ride from Syntagma Square to Hadrian's Library typically costs between €8 and €12. Keep in mind that there is a base fare of €1.80, and the rate per kilometer is €0.90 during the day and €1.25 at night. A pre-booking fee of €1.20 may apply when using ride-hailing apps.
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