Royal Beach Club Santorini
Plan your visit
Buy a single entry ticket at the gate or use a combined pass to avoid peak morning queues.
About this place
Hadrian’s Library stands as a massive ruin in central Athens, marking where a vast cultural complex once provided a quiet space for study. Built by the Roman emperor in 132 CE, the site served as more than just a book repository. It was a grand square for learning and civic life.
Walking through the entrance, we saw the surviving Corinthian columns and the foundations of later churches built into the space. The high walls still block out much of the city noise, though little of the original building remains. It is a quiet, dusty spot filled with stones and historical layers.
Visitors should know that this site requires a separate ticket, though it is cheaper than the Acropolis. It works well as a quick thirty minute stop while exploring the Monastiraki area. We think it best suits history enthusiasts who want to see the specific architectural impact of Roman rule in Greece.
Stop here if you enjoy Roman history or Byzantine ruins and have a spare half hour. Skip it if you want intact buildings, as the site is mostly foundations and columns.
Location
Find Library of Hadrian
Located at Areos 3 in the Monastiraki district of central Athens, this site is roughly 20 km from the international airport by road.
Coordinates: 37.9750° N · 23.7255° E
Featured in
Where you'll see it in our videos
Travel series
Sun Princess 2024
Our Mediterranean adventure aboard the brand new Sun Princess exceeded all expectations. Sailing under perfect summer skies, we explored ports that were entirely new to us, making each stop a genuine discovery. Though disappointed we couldn't dock in Kotor, our unexpected visit to Bar, Montenegro proved that the best travel memories often come from unplanned moments.
Nearby places
All of AthensOther stops in Athens
Recommended
RecommendedA bistro in Athens' Plaka neighbourhood, suited to a casual drink or coffee while exploring nearby ruins. No reservation needed for a simple stop during a day of sightseeing.
RecommendedLittle Kook
RestaurantA fairytale-themed café in Athens' Psyri neighbourhood, near Monastiraki. Décor changes seasonally and spills into the alleyway. The menu includes cakes and crêpes, and staff wear costumes.
RecommendedMonastiraki Square
LocationMonastiraki Square, whose name means little monastery, is a busy hub in Athens known for bargain shopping and is a popular spot with tourists.
RecommendedRoman Agora of Athens
MuseumBuilt between 19 and 11 BC, this open-air Roman forum served as Athens' commercial centre. The site features standing columns, marble foundations and an octagonal tower in the Plaka district.
RecommendedSyntagma Square
LocationSyntagma Square is central Athens's main transport hub, home to the Hellenic Parliament and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where Evzone guards perform an hourly changing ceremony.