Library of Hadrian Athens

Built in 132 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian, the Library of Hadrian was the largest structure constructed by the emperor during his reign. Apart from being the largest library in Athens at the time, it also functioned as an archive for state and legal documents. It hosted philosophical schools and lectures, and contained reading, music, and exhibition halls. Today, you can see the ruins of this magnificent structure, including some of the towering columns along the west wall.

Hadrian’s Library | Quick facts

Official name: The Library of Hadrian

Location: North of the Roman Agora of Athens

Date of construction: 132 AD

Architect: Emperor Hadrian

Function: Library, state archive, venue for lectures

Plan your visit to Hadrian’s Library

Timings:
April 1 to August 31: 8am to 8pm
September 1 to 15: 8am to 7:30pm
September 16 to 30: 8am to 7pm
October 1 to 15: 8am to 6:30pm
October 16 to 31: 8am to 6pm
November 1 to March 31: 8am to 3pm

Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time

Closed on: January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25 and 26.

Address: Κ, Areos 3, Τ, Athina 105 55, Greece

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Facts about Hadrian’s Library

The Library of Hadrian had the layout of a typical Roman Forum. It was a rectangular building with one entrance in the western facade and an open courtyard at the center, which held an oblong pool. The courtyard was bordered by 100 tall columns while the eastern interior wall had niches, which were used to store documents. It was constructed in limestone and Pentellic marble.
The library was badly damaged in the Herulian invasion of Athens in 267 AD, but was subsequently repaired by the Roman governor Heruleus in 412 AD.
In the Byzantine era, three churches were built inside the library complex, in the 5th, 7th, and 12 centuries AD.
During Ottoman rule in Greece, the Hadrian’s library complex served as the seat of the Turkish governor of Athens.

Frequently asked questions about Hadrian’s Library tickets

How can I visit Hadrian’s Library?

You can visit Hadrian’s Library with a combo ticket like the Acropolis + 6 Archaeological Sites of Athens multipass ticket. Apart from Hadrian’s Library, it includes access to the Acropolis of Athens and 5 other archaeological sites in the city.

Where can I buy Hadrian’s Library tickets?

To visit the Library of Hadrian, you can book your Acropolis tickets online for a date and time of your preference.

How old is the Library of Hadrian?

Hadrian’s Library was built in 132 AD, making the original structure more than 1,800 years old.

What was Hadrian’s Library used for?

Apart from a repository of books, Hadrian’s Library served as an archive for state documents, and also held academic and philosophical lectures.