The impressive complex of Hadrian’s library is located in Plaka, a few meters north of the Roman Agora, not far from the train stop of the same name. It is the work of Emperor Hadrian, the great benefactor of Athens, who wanted to create a peaceful spot near the bustling bazaar, a place for reflection and pondering. The ground plan of the library complex was very similar to that of the Roman Agora, making one wonder whether it was Hadrian‘s intention to juxtapose the social character of Augustus’ creation with a structure that addressed the inner man. The complex comprises of a huge atrium surrounded by four arcades looking onto the open peristyle courtyard. This rectangular building is 82 meters wide and 122 meters long with a Corinthian propylon on the west side. There is an impressive colonnade running down the façade, which happens to be the best preserved part of the whole monument. In the middle of the courtyard – try and picture it as strolling grounds – there was an oblong reservoir that probably used to be a fountain. There are three projecting conches on each of the long sides, ideal for quiet talks away from the sun. The library itself was situated in a vast central hall on the eastern side of the complex, surrounded by two smaller rooms, possibly studies for visitors. On each side of the eastern wing there were two halls with successive rows of stone benches, correctly assumed to have been lecture halls. Pausanias visited the library a little while after the construction was completed and said of its luxury: «There are halls of alabaster with gilded ceilings, decorated with statues and paintings. And these halls contain books». It’s easy to imagine elderly scholars studying the papyruses and the parchments of the great Classics and taking relaxing strolls in the atrium’s garden while discussing the latest philosophical theories. Hadrian’s library remained an oasis for the intellectual for more than 130 years, until it was destroyed by the barbarian Herulae during the sack of Athens in 267 A.D.