Hadrian's Arch
A monumental Roman arch built in 129 CE, honoring Emperor Hadrian and serving as a grand gateway to ancient cities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Hadrian's Arch
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Roman arch built in 129 CE, honoring Emperor Hadrian and serving as a grand gateway to ancient cities.
"Standing before Hadrian's Arch felt like stepping straight into the Roman Empire."
📸 Capture the Acropolis View
Get that iconic shot of the Acropolis framed by Hadrian's Arch! Best in the morning light.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the ruins. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Gateway
Entrance to the ancient city of Gerasa (Jerash, Jordan)
A magnificent triple-bayed Roman arch built in 129 CE to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit.
Acropolis View
From Hadrian's Arch
Catch a stunning view of the Acropolis of Athens framed by the arch, a popular photo spot.
Ancient Roman Architecture
Athens, Greece
Marvel at the impressive Roman engineering and scale of this historical monument.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Arch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Acropolis View
Get that iconic shot of the Acropolis framed by Hadrian's Arch! Best in the morning light. 
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the ruins. Wear comfy shoes!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. The Greek sun is strong!
🎟️ Jordan Pass Advantage
If visiting Jerash, the Jordan Pass covers entry to Hadrian's Arch and many other sites.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Acropolis View
Get that iconic shot of the Acropolis framed by Hadrian's Arch! Best in the morning light.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the ruins. Wear comfy shoes!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. The Greek sun is strong!
🎟️ Jordan Pass Advantage
If visiting Jerash, the Jordan Pass covers entry to Hadrian's Arch and many other sites.
✨ Evening Ambiance
The arch is beautifully lit at night, offering a different, magical perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hadrian's Arch for its historical significance and impressive Roman architecture. The Athens location is noted for its picturesque views of the Acropolis, while the Jerash arch is lauded as a grand entrance to a remarkably preserved ancient city. Some mention minor hassles with souvenir sellers at the Jerash site, but overall, the experience is described as a journey through time.
"I recently visited Jerash in Jordan, and it was an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights was seeing the Arch of Hadrian, a magnificent structure built to honor the Roman Emperor’s visit in the 2nd century AD. The arch stands tall as a symbol of Jerash’s rich history and Roman influence.
Walking through the ancient ruins surrounding the arch made me feel like I was stepping into a different era. Jerash is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and timeless architectural beauty."
Abdullah Al Khathami
"“A Timeless Gateway to Roman Grandeur”
As a history lover, standing before the Arch of Hadrian in Jerash felt like stepping straight into the Roman Empire. Built in 129 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit, this grand triple-arched gateway once marked the entrance to the flourishing city of Gerasa.
Even after nearly 2,000 years, its massive limestone structure still radiates pride and power. The arch, standing slightly outside the city walls, symbolized Jerash’s expansion and ambition to become a “mini-Rome” in the East.
Walk through it and turn back — the ruins framed through the arch are breathtaking, a perfect reminder that civilizations fade, but their stories endure in stone."
Chandrashekhar D
"Hadrian’s Arch stands tall and proud, built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian — a grand gateway that once welcomed him to the ancient city of Jerash.
It is one of several arches that once graced this historical jewel, but this one, in particular, rises with unmatched majesty.
Its towering columns, carved from limestone, are a silent testament to the genius of Roman architecture — reflecting the mastery, elegance, and distinct identity the Romans infused into every stone they laid.
Though time has weathered its form, and an earthquake in 749 AD brought parts of it down, the arch remains a symbol of resilience and ancient glory.
To walk among these ruins is to walk through time itself — to trace the footsteps of empires, to feel the whispers of the past carried in the breeze, and to be humbled by the sheer beauty of classical architecture.
As a lover of history, it was an experience that stirred my soul. No matter how much I describe it, my words fall short of capturing its true essence.
If you wish to delve deeper, I invite you to explore more on Wikipedia or through historical websites.
For now, I’ll leave you with some glimpses I captured — fragments of a story etched in stone."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hadrian's Arch in Athens is easily accessible. You can take the metro to Syntagma or Acropoli station and walk a short distance. Many visitors combine it with a stroll through the National Garden.
No, there are two notable Hadrian's Arches. The one in Athens is a Roman arch built in 129 CE. The Arch of Hadrian in Jerash, Jordan, is a larger triumphal arch also built in 129 CE to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to the Roman city of Gerasa.
The Arch of Hadrian is located at the southern entrance to the ancient city of Jerash. It's often the first major structure you encounter when entering the archaeological site.
Yes, you can see Hadrian's Arch from the road outside the Jerash site, but walking under it and exploring the surrounding ruins is a much more immersive experience.
In Athens, it's near the Temple of Zeus and the National Garden. In Jerash, it's the grand entrance to the extensive Roman city ruins. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hadrian's Arch in Athens is an outdoor monument and generally accessible without a specific ticket, often viewed as part of the surrounding historical area.
Entry to the Jerash archaeological site, including Hadrian's Arch, is covered by the Jordan Pass. If you don't have the pass, there is an entrance fee for the site.
In Athens, as an outdoor monument, it's accessible anytime. The Jerash archaeological site has specific opening and closing hours, which vary seasonally. Check the official site for current times.
Yes, you can walk through Hadrian's Arch in both Athens and Jerash. It's a key part of the experience to pass through these historical gateways.
While Hadrian's Arch itself doesn't typically require a separate ticket, it's often viewed in conjunction with other sites like the Acropolis or Temple of Zeus, which do have admission fees.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography. Evening shots with the arch illuminated are also stunning.
Absolutely! Hadrian's Arch in Athens provides a fantastic vantage point for capturing photos of the Acropolis.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use at both locations. Drone photography might have specific regulations, especially in Athens.
You can capture the grandeur of the arch itself, the surrounding Roman ruins, and the scale of the ancient city. Framing shots through the arch is popular.
Yes, the illuminated arch at night offers a unique and dramatic photographic opportunity.
🎫 🏛️ Historical Significance
Emperor Hadrian was a Roman emperor who visited Athens in 129 CE. The arch was built to honor him and mark the new boundary of the city. In Jerash, it commemorated his visit to the flourishing Roman city of Gerasa.
It's a prime example of Roman architecture, featuring a triple-bayed design. The arch in Jerash is particularly noted for its massive limestone structure and Roman engineering.
Both arches were built in 129 CE, making them nearly 2,000 years old.
It served as a monumental gateway, separating the old city from Hadrian's new city, and honoring the emperor.
The arch in Jerash has endured earthquakes, with parts coming down in 749 AD, yet it remains a symbol of resilience. The Athens arch has also weathered centuries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families visiting Jerash, the Arch of Hadrian is the gateway to a vast ancient city. It's an exciting place for kids to imagine Roman life. Encourage them to picture chariots passing through or soldiers marching. The sheer scale of the ruins can spark their imagination, making history come alive. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider visiting in the early morning to avoid crowds and get cleaner shots. The illuminated arch at night provides a completely different, atmospheric perspective. In Jerash, the Arch of Hadrian is a monumental subject. Capture its scale from different angles, and use it as a frame for the ancient city beyond. The surrounding ruins offer numerous compositions, from grand vistas to intricate details of Roman stonework. Experiment with different times of day to see how the light transforms the landscape.
🏛️ History Buffs
The Arch of Hadrian in Jerash is particularly compelling as it marks the entrance to one of the most well-preserved Roman cities. Walking through it allows you to step into the past and appreciate the architectural and urban planning achievements of the Romans in the East. Exploring the surrounding ruins further enriches the historical experience, revealing the grandeur of Gerasa.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hadrian's Arch: Athens vs. Jerash
+1In contrast, the Arch of Hadrian in Jerash, Jordan, is a much larger and more imposing triumphal arch that served as the southern entrance to the ancient Roman city of Gerasa. It was built to commemorate Hadrian's visit to this flourishing 'mini-Rome' in the East. This arch is a key part of the extensive Jerash archaeological site, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. Its scale and preservation offer a profound glimpse into Roman urban planning and grandeur.
Both arches, despite their geographical separation, stand as powerful testaments to the vast reach and enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and the architectural prowess of the era. Visiting either offers a unique journey back in time, connecting you with history etched in stone.
Experiencing Hadrian's Arch: Tips from Travelers
+2 The illuminated arch at night is also a popular and magical sight. For those visiting the Jerash site in Jordan, the Arch of Hadrian is a significant entry point. Visitors advise using the Jordan Pass to cover entry fees, making the exploration of the vast ruins more economical.
Some visitors note that while the arch itself is impressive, the surrounding ruins in Jerash offer a deeper historical context. The experience is enhanced by understanding that these structures were once part of a vibrant, bustling Roman city.
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