The archaeological wealth of Greece is one of its main tourist attractions, and each year millions of people come to Athens to see iconic places such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. However, in the Greek capital there is much more to see, including the fascinating Hadrian’s Library.
In ancient times, the Greek City-States were the main centers of political, military and economic power throughout the Mediterranean. Some of them, like Sparta or Corinth, were so famous that they became legends.
Despite this, Athens was always the most admired, even by foreigners. One of the greatest precursors of Athenian culture was Hadrian, who led Rome when it was already an empire.
At the time of Hadrian, Athens and the rest of Greece were Roman provinces, but this did not prevent the emperor from sponsoring new buildings in the city, among which the Hadrian’s Library and the Arch of Hadrian stand out.
Both places were built as tributes to Athenian culture, as well as to preserve the typical traditions and beliefs of the city. Today, both the library and Hadrian’s arch remain two of the best-known monuments in Athens.
Like many other buildings from the classical era, Hadrian’s Library is preserved in the form of archaeological ruins. In them, you can still see the high pillars that supported the weight of the structure, as well as pieces of its interior spaces.
Also, some parts of its main facade are still standing, and in them you can clearly see the typical Greek architectural style with which they were built. Despite this, the passage of time has also left its mark on Hadrian’s Library, so much of the structure is severely damaged or has already disappeared completely.
Similarly, it is important to mention that Hadrian’s Library is actually a recent discovery. Until the mid-19th century, this cultural site was totally forgotten, and its rebirth occurred thanks to excavations carried out very close to the bases of the structure.
Since that time, several conservation and recovery projects have been carried out, however, Hadrian’s Library remains an ancient treasure as valuable as it is delicate.
If you want to know this monument and take a look at the distant past of Athens, then you will have to go to Monastiraki Square, from where it is possible to access the ruins of Hadrian’s Library.
Keep in mind that, although it is a space full of history, the archaeological ruins of the library are few, so it will be a quick visit. Also, don’t forget that the foundations and columns of this old building are fragile, so you have to be careful when approaching them.
Finally, you should know that you have to buy a ticket to access Hadrian’s Library. Even if you are not actually inside the Acropolis, the combined ticket usually includes a visit to this and all the other monuments in the area.
Share it:
© 2021 All rights reserved TRIP AIM
Made in ❤ TripAim
