Heart of ancient Athens and center of public life of the Athenians during antiquity, the Ancient Agora is located northwest of the Acropolis on the base of the hill. The Agora was the administrative, judicial, commercial and city’s business center, it was also the place where stemmed theatrical performances and sporting events.
It is exciting to think that, wile strolling around its grounds, we step on the same ground that men like Socrates or Plato stepped. In that sense, this was one of the places visited that touched me the most. Most of the buildings are destroyed, but you can still see their bases. There are colossal statues and pieces of columns scattered over the ground, as well as olive and pine trees that allow you to rest quietly in the shade.
On one of the highest points of Agora we can find the temple of Hephaestus, god of fire and metal, that there was worshiped alongside the goddess Athena, guardian of the city. This temple is one of the best preserved and certainly deserves a visit.
On the opposite side, closer to Monastiraki, is the Stoa of Attalos, which houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora. The Stoa is a kind of covered walkway that was rebuilt in the last century and that allows us to understand the scale of the original buildings. The museum’s collection includes pieces of clay, bronze and glass, sculptures, coins, as well as Turkish and Byzantine pottery. Though small, the museum is interesting and well organized.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices:
8:30 to 19:30 from April to October (except Mondays,when it opens at 11:00)
8:00 to 15:00 November to March
Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Adults 4 € / Children 2 €
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