In the heart of Athens, Monastiraki, are the ruins of the Library of Hadrian.

The Library of Hadrian was built, as its name hints, by the emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. Initially the building had a length of 130 m and width of 70 m, was possibly a three floor, while it was surrounded by an arcade with 100 marble columns. During its operation, The Library of Hadrian allegedly hosted over 20 000 parchments.

The library was destroyed by the invasion of the Heruli in 267 AD and about 400 AD it was repaired, while in the area Christian churches began to be built that do not survive today. During the Ottoman rule, it was the headquarters of the Turkish voivode, while after the Liberation, it was used as barracks and prisons.

Excavations began at the end of 19th century and continuing untill today. Nowadays, only the western part of the peristyle and its Corinthian columns is preserved from the Library of Hadrian.