Hadrian's Library, Athens

Hadrian’s Library is an archaeological ruin created under Emperor Hadrian as a monumental Roman building in AD 132. Its entrance formed part of a colonnaded porch, while the surrounding structure enclosed a courtyard with an elongated ornamental pool. Along the eastern side, shelves once held rolls of papyrus, and nearby rooms served readers and lecturers.

Damage caused by the Herulian invasion in 267 was followed by repairs between 407 and 412. Later, the site incorporated three Byzantine churches, whose surviving remains include the cathedral known as Megali Panagia. Look toward the colossal statue of Nike, excavated here in 1988 and now displayed within the site: the goddess gives these ruins an arresting sculptural presence.