Hadrian's Arch

Hadrian's arch was constructed in 131 AD by Hadrian, a great builder and one of the great Roman Emperors to separate the old and new cities, marking the edge of the classical one and the beginning of his own. The whole monument is made of Pentelic marble. The central opening of the gate is supported by pillars crowned with Corinthian capitals. The arch is crowned by series of Corinthian columns with Ionic cornice at the ends, and a structure with a triangular pediment in the middle. The 18-meter arch has two inscriptions - the side towards the Acropolis reads "this is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus". On the other side reads "this is the city of Hadrian, and not Theseus". (Athens, Greece / 2006)

Temple of Zeus

Also known as "Olympieon", the temple of Olympian Zeus is a colossal, ruined temple at the center of Athens and was built to dedicate Zeus - the king of Olympian Gods. Series of constructions begun in 6th century BC and lasted up to 2nd century AD, the last being under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. Among the originally erected 104 pentelic marble corinthian columns of 56 feet high, only 15 columns remain. These remains remain visible today and still a major attraction for tourists. (Athens, Greece / 2006)

The Parthenon

The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of ancient Greece, and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. It was built in the 5th century to honor the Greek Goddess of Wisdom - Athena. The temple is peripteral with eight columns on each narrow sides and seventeen columns on each of the long ones. The center of the temple sheltered the famous cult statue. (Athens, Greece / 2006)

The Acropolis Hill

"Acropolis" in Greek means the "highest point of the town". So called sacred rock of Athens, it rises 156 meters above sea level. Being included in Unesco's World Heritage Site list, it is one of the most significant reference points of ancient Greek culture as it houses the Acropolis museum and the theater of Herod Atticus. It is also the home to some of important monuments like; the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the one of the most recognizable temples of the world - The Parthenon. (Athens, Greece / 2006)