Hadrian's Library

Hadrian's Library was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens.

The building followed a typical Roman Forum architectural style, having only one entrance with a propylon of Corinthian order, a high surrounding wall with protruding niches (oikoi, exedrae) at its long sides, an inner courtyard surrounded by columns and a decorative oblong pool in the middle. The library was on the eastern side where rolls of papyrus "books" were kept. Adjoining halls were used as reading rooms, and the corners served as lecture halls.

The library was seriously damaged by the Herulian invasion of 267 and repaired by the prefect Herculius in AD 407-412). During Byzantine times, three churches were built at the site, the remains of which are preserved:

  • a tetraconch (5th c. AD)
  • a three-aisled basilica (7th c. AD), and
  • a simple cathedral (12th c. AD), which was the first cathedral of the city, known as Megali Panagia.

Around the same period as the cathedral another church, Agios Asomatos sta Skalia, was built against the north facade, which is not preserved.

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Shirin Jafari
30 December 2017
Definitely worth visiting this important historical site. It’s close to the Roman and Ancient Agora, and you can visit it by using a special package ticket.
Visit Greece
23 October 2014
It was built by Roman emperor Hadrian in 132 A.D. It formed a colonnade with specific areas used for the storage of papyruses and books, lecture halls etc.
Cenker Köse
5 March 2016
Must see in Athens. View from outside is also great as inside since you can see a lot from outside. So dont worry if it is closed :)
Mark B
17 June 2023
Great stop just off of Monistraki Square to see the ruins and remains of Hadrian’s Library. Well preserved footprint.
Clement H.
11 November 2015
You can pretty much see everything from the outside
VacazionaViajes
1 October 2012
Conocida como la "Biblioteca de las cien columnas", era un impresionante edificio rectangular creado para albergar la extensa colección de libros que poseía el emperador Adriano.
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