Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The Ancient Agora and Stoa of Attalos

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The political, commercial, social, religious, and cultural life of Ancient Athens unfolded in the Agora.

When was it built

The Agora was established in the sixth century BCE and grew over a period of several centuries. The Stoa of Attalos—a covered promenade of shop stalls, a precursor to the modern-day mall—was built by the King of Pergamon in the second century.

What's the story

The site has been occupied since Neolithic times, with evidence of a settlement and cemetery dated to 3000 BC.

Why it's important

The Agora was the bustling heart of ancient Athens. It housed shops, temples, the Bouleuterion, where the 500-member city council sat, and the Tholos, the seat of a specially assigned committee of the council.

Must-see

The Hephaisteion, a Doric temple built in the fifth century BC and dedicated to the gods Hephaistos and Athena. Most Greeks refer to the Hephaisteion as the ‘Thisseion’ because of the scenes depicting the feats of Theseus on its frieze. During Ottoman rule, it was used as a cemetery for foreign travellers.

Fun fact

The Altar of the Twelve Gods marked the heart of the ancient city and was the point from which all distances from Athens were measured.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Info

24 Adrianou, Monastiraki, 105 55
Monastiraki / Psirri
Wheelchair Accessible
+30 210 321 0185
Website
Refer to the website for opening hours and ticket prices.

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

The Ancient Agora and Stoa of Attalos

The political, commercial, social, religious, and cultural life of Ancient Athens unfolded in the Agora.