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Ancient Agora

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Jose Kevo
Jose Kevo
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Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora lies below the Acropolis and is the ancient marketplace of Athens. There are few complete structures left standing however it's still worthwhile and can make for a nice relaxing walk after a busy morning at the Acropolis. There are two things that I enjoyed the most about the Agora: The beautiful church, Ayii Apostoloi, and the Temple of Hephaestus (Hephastion) which has beautiful friezes.

During our walk along the Agora, we encountered several turtles which we found fascinating. There's beautiful gardens and at the end of the Agora, the Stoa of Attalos houses artifacts collected from the grounds.

The Agora shares the same hours as Acropolis (High Season: 8-7:30 PM, Low Season: 8-2:30 PM) and admission is included in the Acropolis ticket (€6 for students, €12 for adults, free for disabled people, EU citizens and under 18's). You can visit the Agora after descending from the Acropolis and exiting the site near the Stoa of Attalos.

From journal Greek Adventures in Athens

Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora

This was the political and religious heart of Ancient Athens. The ruins were largely uncovered in the 1950s by tearing down a part of the existing Athens. Although most of the structures are only foundations, you can walk through and see where there were government buildings, schools, prisons, and even a mint. There are plaques throughout the grounds, identifying the various structures. It is a pleasant historical walk.

From journal Post Olympic Athens - The Walking City

Editor Pick

Ancient Agora

  • March 29, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by linet from Eindhoven, Netherlands
Ancient Agora

Well, it's an agora. There was all the equipment that an old Greek city would need: a library and temples for various gods of which 'Temple of Olympian Zeus' is the most attractive today. There is a distance between 'Roman' and 'Greek' agora, I am sure that there was an ancient street once upon a time between them.

At the Roman Agora, Tower of Winds should not be missed. This cute building was built by a Syrian scientist to make some measurements about air, temperatures, water, etc. There were, of course, water sources here once upon a time. One of the presents of the ancient gods to Athens was water by Poseidon and olive trees by Athene; the second one won. In the Greek agora, an old church from 11th century and the headless statue of Hadrian were favourites.

From journal Coctail of chaos and beauty

Editor Pick

Ancient Agora

  • March 9, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Illion from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ancient Agora

As I already wrote in the overview: I found the Ancient Agora stunning. On these few acres so much history took place. Here Socrates and Plato asked their questions, here democracy was first tested, here the first ancient modern society developed. For the casual visitor it may just be a dusty field filled with rocks. The ones with a little imagination can see the greatness of this place in the shadow of the majestic Acropolis, especially when using the little map you receive upon entering well.
The best-preserved building is the Doric temple of Hephaestos, the god-blacksmith, placed on the top of a small hill. This temple solely survived the rage of the barbarians and Christians because it was turned into a church. On the frieze you see a few of Hercules' works depicted. Once this quiet and peaceful place must have been bustling and noisy as foundries and metalwork shops surrounded the temple. Now it’s the best place to overlook the Agora. A little to the left of the temple, when facing it, is a plan of the Agora which clarifies what the remains you see below you once were. It’s nice to sit on the bench next to this plan and let your imagination run free.
On the foot of this hill you will find the remains of the Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios, where once Socrates taught by posing questions. Opposite this Stoa, hidden between the trees and bushes, you will find the Altar of the Twelve Gods. Though it isn’t very impressive, you are probably the only one looking for it. At least we were. Emerging from the bushes you’ll find the Temple of Ares, God of war. There isn’t much left, but the grounds of this temple are beautifully lined with Bougainvillaea. From here, you have one of the nicest views on the temple of Hephaestos. Unfortunately our pictures of this spot were out of focus.
Returning to the base of the hill you will find the former governmental centre of Athens. Cradled against the hill you’ll see the foundations of the Old Bouleuterion. Once used for meetings of the Boulè, the senate, it later became the city archive. Next, or better, in front of the Old Bouleuterion you will see the Metroön. This building was both used as a temple for the Mother of the Gods and as archive. The circular building next to these two is the Tholos, where heads of government met.
Wandering south from the Tholos you’ll leave the explanatory map, but here too you will find many remains, hidden between the bushes. One of these is a sewer. Probably the modern sewers aren’t much wider, as you can’t flush any toilet paper in Athens without clogging the pipes.
Not ancient but very charming is the little church of the Holy Apostles, to be found near the south exit. It’s worthwhile going inside. Unfortunately only a few of the frescos are still intact.

From journal Four days in Athens

Ancient Agora

  • February 11, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Talliabeth from State College, Pennsylvania
The ancient Agora is really a wonder. Unfortunately, unless you are a history buff, or have an experienced guide, it can be hard to get a lot out of the visit. I definately recommend using a guide book or purchasing one from the kiosk where you buy tickets for the agora.

The site to be sure to see are the Odeon, the museum inside the painted stoa, the altar of the Olympian gods, and the shrine to the eponymous heroes.

From journal It's All Greek To Me

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