Hadrian's Library

"Hadrian's Library was created by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the year 132 on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens. The building followed a typical architectural style of the Roman Forum, having only one entrance with a Corinthian propylaeum, a high surrounding wall with niches protruding from its sides, an inner courtyard surrounded by columns and a decorative pool in the center. The rectangular building was designed to house the emperor's extensive book collection, as well as serving as a reading room and convention center. Originally, it had the size of 122 x 80 meters and was surrounded by a gallery composed of 100 columns. Therefore, it is also known as the library of a hundred columns. It was badly damaged by the invasion of the Heruli in the year 267 and repaired by the city administrator Herculius between the years 407 and 412. A Paleochristian church was built in the central courtyard in the 5th century. In the 7th century, a three-aisled basilica was built, which was replaced by a Byzantine church in the 11th century. The library was abandoned for many years, until in 1885, a fire at the site led to an excavation. Excavations began after some limestone blocks and impressive Corinthian columns over eight meters high were found, along with the remains of the foundations of a small church built in the 5th century. restored."

"*Combo admission ticket: 30 Euros* Book your ticket at the link below. Combo tickets are valid for one admission per site to: Acropolis & slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos, and Aristotle's School (Lyceum). Tickets are valid for 5 consecutive dates after your first entrance. When you purchase the tickets, be sure to select the "combo" option with 7 circle graphics above "General ADM" "

"Hadrians Library is included in most combo tours of the Parthenon and Acropolis. I would highly recommend getting the ticket that includes the library. It is less crowded and right next to Monastiraki Square and is still pretty impressive. This is a great one to start with and buy your tickets with a smaller line or no line and start your Greek Ruins tour right away. "