Hadrian’s Library in Athens – A Full Visitor’s Guide
This article contains affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure for more. Thanks for your support!
Hadrian’s Library in Athens is one of the most compact archaeological sites in the Greek capital.
Only steps from one of the city’s most central metro stations, Monastiraki, the Library of Hadrian is also very easy to reach. Moreover, what it lacks in informative signage, it makes up for in splendor.
Therefore, there are no excuses. Hadrian’s Library in Athens should definitely be added to your sightseeing route across the capital of Greece.
Where Is Hadrian’s Library?
Hadrian’s Library is in the heart of Athens, a few steps from Monastiraki Square and Monastiraki Metro Station. The Library of Hadrian is located next to the Roman Agora of Athens and a short walk from the Ancient Agora of Athens.
Timeline of Hadrian’s Library in Athens
As its name suggests, the Library was founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian between 132 and 134 AD. The majestic Library was constructed next to the Roman Agora in Athens.
Alongside finishing the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Library was one of Hadrian’s major projects in Athens.
In the 2nd century AD, the Heruli tribe invaded Athens. Among other important monuments, Hadrian’s Library was destroyed during the Herulian invasion. The ruins of Hadrian’s Library were used to build the city’s Late Roman Fortification Wall, part of which still stands in the Ancient Agora of Athens.
The Roman Prefect Herculius repaired the Library in the 4th century AD. In the middle of the Library’s Peristyle Court, the original Cistern was replaced by three different churches built on the same spot in the 5th, 7th, and 12th centuries AD, respectively.
Later, a marketplace was set up on the Library grounds. In 1884, a fire destroyed the church, the marketplace, and nearby buildings. That was the opportunity for the archaeological excavations to begin in the following years.
Why Is Hadrian’s Library Important?
The Library of Hadrian was the largest library in Ancient Athens. Within its walls hid all the wisdom of the time, from literary volumes to official archives to legal documents. For that alone, it’s one of the most significant ancient sites in Athens.
Moreover, the Library’s grandeur reveals Hadrian’s ambition to turn Athens into the cultural center of the entire Roman Empire.
Is Hadrian’s Library Worth Visiting?
Although informative signage is disappointing, the archaeological site of Hadrian’s Library is worth visiting for the splendor of the remains that are still standing. One more reason you should visit the Library of Hadrian is that it’s one of the few remnants of the Roman Empire in Athens.
FAQs About Visiting The Library of Hadrian in Athens
How long does it take to visit Hadrian’s Library?
Hadrian’s Library is a small archaeological site with very few things to see. The entire site takes around 30 minutes to explore.
Is Hadrian’s Library accessible?
Unfortunately, Hadrian’s Library isn’t accessible to wheelchair users. At several points across the site, there are steps without wheelchair ramps.
Where is the entrance to Hadrian’s Library?
The entrance to Hadrian’s Library is on Areos Street, a few steps from Monastiraki Square, next to Tzistarakis Mosque.
Is Hadrian’s Library included in the Acropolis of Athens Combo Ticket?
Yes, Hadrian’s Library in Athens is one of the seven archaeological sites included in the Acropolis Combo Ticket.
Are there any toilets or other facilities at Hadrian’s Library?
No, the toilets in the archaeological site are out of order until further notice. You can use the toilet at the nearby Roman Agora ticket office.
Are there any restaurants near the Library of Hadrian?
Yes, Monastiraki is a popular place with plenty of lunch options. One of our favorites is Dioskouri on Adrianou Street, where you can try traditional Greek dishes or refreshments.
What To See in Hadrian’s Library – Walking Route
We love archaeological sites in Greece but, sadly, not all of them are easy to navigate. First of all, there isn’t always a clear route to follow. Moreover, not all areas have informative signs and, when they do, sometimes these signs use difficult terminology.
Also, on-site maps often include monuments or points of interest that are no longer visible – because they’re either destroyed or covered by the modern city.
This section is meant to help you navigate any ancient site in Greece by providing a tested-by-us walking route of the most important monuments that you can actually see – rather than just imagine.
Furthermore, we replace the original scientific terms (here in brackets) with simple translations in English when necessary and provide context in cases where informative signs are scarce or non-existent.
Hadrian’s Library was a rectangular building complex with an Entrance Hall, a Peristyle Court, and the main Library building at the back. The current excavations showcase only a part of the original Library complex, as the modern city covers the rest.
At the end of this walking route, we’re including a part of the Library that’s situated outside the archaeological site.
Hadrian’s Library Map
Entrance Hall (Propylon)
Once you enter the archaeological site, the first thing you see is the Library’s monumental Entrance Hall. The impressive porch was the only entrance to Hadrian’s Library. It was flanked by two tall walls with supporting columns. Only one of them, on your left-hand side, has survived.
The porch is partially restored. Check out the Corinthian capitals of white marble at the top of some Corinthian columns. The Entrance Hall was connected to the large inner courtyard that featured a decorative Cistern in the middle.
Church With Four Niches (Tetraconch Church)
The path will take you to the middle of the Peristyle Court, once adorned by a decorative Cistern. In the 5th century AD, a magnificent church with four niches was erected on the site of the Cistern. Today, you can see the remains of its mosaic floors.
The Church With Four Niches was destroyed in the 6th century AD. A new three-aisled Basilica was built on its ruins in the 7th century AD. However, in the 12th century AD, a third Church was constructed on the same spot when the Basilica, in its turn, was razed to the ground.
The 12th-century Church, known as Megali Panagia, was actually the first Cathedral of Athens. Yet, a fire destroyed it in 1884. The columns and part of the wall of Megali Panagia still stand in the same place.
Library (Bibliostasio)
Walk to the most important part of the complex, the Library, which occupied the entire eastern side. The main part of the Library was in the middle of the east side. Two reading rooms flanked the Library, and there were Lecture Rooms on both far edges.
The books were, in fact, Papyri, kept in wooden closets in niches along the Library walls, like the ones surviving today on the eastern wall. It was believed the Library’s capacity was around 17,000 books. Unfortunately, you can’t see much of its grandeur today, only the niches.
Lecture Rooms
Two Lecture Halls occupied the two edges of the Library’s east side. The area of one of the two rooms is excavated, whereas the other is still covered. The Lecture Room was amphitheatrical with marble seats. However, there isn’t much to see today.
The Church of Saint Asomatos on The Steps (The Church of Agios Asomatos “Sta Skalia”)
On your way back to the exit, once you pass the impressive Entrance Hall, go down the steps to your right to check out the remains of a fresco on the principal facade’s wall. Right next to the wall and the Entrance Hall, a 12th-century Church stood until the 19th century.
The Church was dedicated to Saint Asomatos, another name for Archangel Michael. Beneath its floor, tombs of the Chalkokondyles family, the Church’s founders, were found.
Southeastern Niche (Exedra)
After you exit the archaeological site, turn left to Dexippou Street and then head to Adrianou Street.
From there, you can see the excavations on the south side of the road towards the Acropolis. The excavations revealed the Southeastern Niche of Hadrian’s Library. Originally, it was an auxiliary room and later a cistern.
Moreover, if you plan to visit the Roman Agora of Athens, its northeastern side was excavated on the same site and isn’t part of the archaeological site.
Hadrian’s Library Opening Hours
During the winter period:
November 1st to March 31st: 8 AM to 3 PM
During the summer period:
April 1st to August 31st: 8 AM to 8 PM
September 1st to September 15th: 8 AM to 7.30 PM
September 16th to September 30th: 8 AM to 7 PM
October 1st to October 15th: 8 AM to 6.30 PM
October 16th to October 31st: 8 AM to 6 PM
On January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Greek Easter Sunday, December 25th, and December 26th, the archaeological site is closed.
Hadrian’s Library Entrance Fees
The full admission fee is 6 EUR. From November 1st to March 31st, the ticket costs 3 EUR instead. The archaeological site of Hadrian’s Library in Athens is one of the seven archaeological sites included in the Acropolis Combined Ticket.
Entrance is free on the following days: March 6th, April 18th, May 18th, the last weekend of September, October 28th, and the first Sunday of each month from November to March.
How To Get To Hadrian’s Library in Athens
If you’re staying far from the city center, the easiest way to reach Hadrian’s Library is by jumping on Line 1 or 3 of the Athens Metro, which stops at Monastiraki Square, a few steps from the site’s entrance.
Where To Stay Near Hadrian’s Library in Athens
Any hotel near Monastiraki Square is the best place to enjoy your visit to Hadrian’s Library and several other archaeological sites in the area. Situated across the street from the Cathedral of Athens, Ziller’s Boutique Hotel is an exceptional place to stay and explore the rich history of the city of Athens.
Things To Do Near The Library of Hadrian
If you’ve purchased the Acropolis Combo Ticket, you can also explore the Ancient Agora of Athens and the Roman Agora with the same ticket. Both are a few steps from Hadrian’s Library.
A 20-minute walk from the Library of Hadrian, a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus is also included in the Athens Combo Ticket, while a 10-minute ride on the metro will take you to the Lykeion Archaeological Site, yet another of the seven sites you can visit with the Acropolis Combo Ticket.
A non-ancient option is the Museum of Modern Greek Culture, right across the street from the entrance to Hadrian’s Library. Of course, Plaka and Monastiraki are the best areas to enjoy a relaxing walk along the quaint streets or slow down at a café.
We hope you enjoyed this stroll through Hadrian’s Library in Athens, a lesser-known ancient site that’s really worth a visit. If you’ve been to the Library of Hadrian, share your thoughts with fellow history enthusiasts by posting your experience in our Ancient Greece Facebook group.
