Athens - Library of Hadrian (Closed Temporarily)

Parallel to the Roman Agora, only 16m/50ft away, is another complex of similar character but different function - the Library of Hadrian, founded by the emperor of that name after A.D. 132. This was a colonnaded court measuring 122 by 82m/400 by 270ft, with exedrae (semicircular recesses) in the external walls.

The entrance was on the west side, and part of this, richly decorated with Corinthian columns and a four-column propylon, has been preserved.

It faces onto Areos Street, which runs south from Monastiráki Square past the old Sindrivani Mosque (now housing the Museum of Ceramics). New excavations are in progress here.

The modern entrance to the site is at the east end, in Eólou Street.

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