Description: 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.
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