Attraction guide
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Once the largest temple in Greece — how to see its towering columns and Hadrian's Arch from Piraeus, and combine them with central Athens on a port day.
A temple 700 years in the making
Begun in the 6th century BC and finally completed by the Roman emperor Hadrian around AD 131, the Temple of Olympian Zeus took some 700 years to build. In its prime it was the largest temple in Greece, with 104 colossal Corinthian columns. Fifteen still stand today, with a sixteenth lying where it fell in a storm in 1852 — and even in ruin, the scale is astonishing.
Hadrian's Arch next door
Right beside the temple stands Hadrian's Arch, a monumental gateway erected to mark the boundary between the old city of Theseus and the new Roman city of Hadrian. It's one of Athens' most photographed monuments, framed against the Acropolis behind — a perfect quick photo stop.
Fitting it into your port day
The site is central, near Syntagma and Plaka and a short walk from Akropoli metro station. Reach it from Piraeus via the metro in around 30–45 minutes. Because a visit takes just 30–45 minutes, it works best as one stop on a wider loop that includes the Acropolis, Syntagma and Plaka, or a guided city tour.
Return-to-ship confidence
HighA short, central, level visit, so it adds little timing risk to a port day. Combine it with nearby sights and keep your usual buffer back to Piraeus.
Organised shore excursions from reputable operators are structured around cruise schedules and monitor all-aboard times. Confirm terminal pickup and drop-off when you enquire.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Temple of Olympian Zeus from Piraeus?
The temple is in central Athens near Syntagma and Plaka, about 10 km from the cruise port. Take the metro to Akropoli or Syntagma station (roughly 30–45 minutes) and walk, or take a taxi. It sits beside Hadrian's Arch.
How long do I need at the Temple of Olympian Zeus?
About 30–45 minutes is enough to walk around the columns and photograph Hadrian's Arch nearby. It's often combined with the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma on a city tour.
Is the Temple of Olympian Zeus included in the combined ticket?
Yes — the multi-site combined ticket that includes the Acropolis also covers the Temple of Olympian Zeus, making it good value if you're visiting several central sites.
Plan your port day
- Piraeus cruise port guide — where ships dock, transfers to Athens, metro, taxis
- Athens cruise planner — match excursions to your hours ashore
- Cruise ship schedules — see which ships are in port
- Syntagma Square & changing of the guard
- Plaka from Piraeus Cruise Port
- Acropolis from Piraeus Cruise Port
- Athens city highlights — enquire about this tour
- Athens full-day highlights — enquire about this tour
Need help choosing?
Tell us your ship, port hours, and interests — we'll suggest Athens shore excursions from Piraeus that fit your schedule and return-to-ship window.