Hadrians Library was the largest and most luxurious library in Athens at the time. Built 132-134 CE by Roman emperor Hadrian as part of his grand re-building of the city. It held books, important literary works, legal and administrative documents. Ancient libraries didn’t lend books. They were a place where people went to study, hear lectures and discuss intellectual matters. It had reading rooms, 2 auditoriums for lectures and concerts as well as a large inner garden courtyard where people could mingle and talk with other patrons.
Little Bit Of History
Hadrians library was damaged during the Heruli invasion in 267. In 277 the library was made part of a fortification wall to protect the city from further invasions. It wasn’t repaired until 407-412 CE by Hereculius. Three churches were built inside the courtyard over different centuries.
Many Uses Over The Years
When Athens was under Turkish control, it became the home of the Turkish administrator of Athens. During the 18th century, it was a mosque and fortress. A tower was built in 1814. In the 19th century, it served as army barracks and then a prison. Excavations began in 1885 but the buildings were not cleared until later in the 20th century. The library is not well preserved, there’s not a whole lot of the buildings that remain but it’s still a great site to visit. The main feature of this site is the grand columns that used to be the entrance to Hadrian’ library. It’s located just outside the northern corner of the Roman Agora.
Tours
Tours are a great way to visit the sites in Athens. They will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the site. There is a driver and a guide and the guide will give you all sorts of information about history and culture. Once you arrive at the site, he will already have your entry tickets ready.
Great info plus free time to visit
Not only will he give you a guided tour of the site, but he will also point out special features that you may not have noticed on your own. Additionally, he will tell you everything there is to know about them. After all is said and done, you will then have some free time to explore the site on your own. After which you will be taken to a location for lunch and once the tour is over, you will be taken back to your hotel.
From USD$69.27
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Duration:
9 hours
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Departs:
Athens, Greece
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Athens & Sounio Full Day Private Tour – Duration 9 Hours Top …
From USD$69.27
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Duration:
9 hours
-
Departs:
Athens, Greece
-
Athens & Corinth Full Day Private Tour – Duration 9 Hours Top …
From USD$43.87
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Duration:
5 hours
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Departs:
Athens, Greece
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Athens Half Day Private Tour – Duration 5 Hours Top Visits
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Hours
Open 8am-3pm Closed: Jan 1, May 1, Easter Sunday, Dec 25 & 26
It will cost you 4 € to visit the site but if you plan on seeing multiple sites in Athens, it’s best to buy the special ticket at 30 € that gives you access to all the sites.
Directions
Hadrians Library
Athens 105 55, Greece
The entrance is on the south side of Monastiraki Square.
Metro: Monastiraki Station
Accommodations
There are plenty of hotels, motels, hostels, airbnb in Athens. It’s really hard to find a quiet room in Athens. The sound of cars day and night is pretty constant no matter where you are. There are constantly riots in the city so avoid hotels near the parliament.
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