The Ancient Agora was the place where people came to shop, socialise, trade, hold meetings and discuss the burning issues of the day. This site to the north west of the Acropolis is one of the best surviving examples of a typical Greek agora, or market, dating from the 6th century.
Today, you can wander around the ruins and get a feel for what life was like for affluent Athenians during Greece’s Golden Age. Although many of the buildings are roped off in order to prevent further deterioration to their delicate limestone and marble columns and facades, the surviving friezes depicting gods and mythological figures can still be admired from a safe distance.
Of the nine churches in the original Agora, only one now remains. However the nearby Temple of Hephaestus on the hill of Kolonos Agoraios is one of the best-preserved examples of Doric temple architecture in Greece. Its dedication to the patron god of metal working and craftsmanship would have been particularly relevant to the tradespeople of the Agora.
The landscaped grounds provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby modern Athens. Here you will find many ancient plants such as almond trees, myrtle bushes and pomegranates. Explore the dense undergrowth of the hillside for traces of ancient archaeological monuments, then head for the centre of the Agora to admire the splendour of the Acropolis towering above you.
It’s easy to get carried away by a strong sense of history and heritage as you explore the Agora. This is the place where Socrates held lessons with his students, in the workshop of Simon the shoemaker, although its exact location is unknown. It’s also the site of important political meetings and military activities, as well as the commercial heart of the ancient city, where shopkeepers touted their wares and residents came to bargain and gossip.
Entry to the Ancient Agora is included in the Acropolis admission price and the site is open daily.
Ancient Agora of Athens
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Reviews of Ancient Agora of Athens
5/5 - Excellent
Very pleasant with plenty of olive trees to provide shade. The Stoa and Temple in the grounds were a pleasant surprise. Also these lesser known sites are not flooded by cruise ship excursions.
5/5 - Excellent
If you plan to visit more than one of the key sites in Athens, you may want to consider a pass for 30 Euros which provides access to them all. Entry to the Acropolis is 20 euros. Look out for the tortoises wandering around the ruins!
5/5 - Excellent
Definitely include this on your trip; it gets overshadowed by the Acropolis (literally and figuratively) but it was my favourite thing in Athens
Popular places to visit
Temple of Hephaestos
Step back in time in this remarkably preserved piece of architecture, which has served as a Greek temple, a Christian church and a museum.
Stoa of Attalos
This ancient market and meeting place has benefitted from extensive restoration and also houses a fascinating museum.
Monastiraki Flea Market
This lively area of shops, stalls and eateries is a dream come true for lovers of fun, food and fashion.
Areopagus Hill
Admire views over the Ancient Agora from this hill, the site where ancient murder trials were staged and where, according to the Bible, St. Paul preached.
Hadrian's Library
In the ruins of this monument to knowledge, see the notches in marble where papyrus book rolls were once stored.
Roman Agora
Soak up history in the place where fashionable Greeks came to shop, gossip and discuss the big issues of the day.
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