Attraction
Acropolis of Athens
The rocky citadel above Athens crowned by the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea and Temple of Athena Nike, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The ancient heart of Athenian civic life below the Acropolis, with the Temple of Hephaestus and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalos museum.
At a glance
- Type
- Archaeological site and museum
- Area
- Monastiraki, Athens, Greece
- Official site
- odysseus.culture.gr
Good to know
- Museum in the Stoa of Attalos
- Wheelchair-accessible museum
- Shaded paths
Why we recommend it
The Ancient Agora was the centre of public life in ancient Athens: the marketplace, meeting ground, law court and political hub where citizens gathered to trade, argue and vote. Laid out in the 6th century BC, it lies north-west of the Acropolis between the Areopagus and Market Hill, and today it is one of the most rewarding and least rushed archaeological sites in the city.
The best-preserved building is the Temple of Hephaestus on the low hill at the western edge. Dedicated to the god of metalworking and to Athena, it was built between 449 and 415 BC and still stands largely intact, helped by its long later life as the church of Saint George Akamates. It looks especially fine in late afternoon light. Below it lie the foundations of the Bouleuterion, where the council met, the round Tholos, the Metroon, the Altar of the Twelve Gods and the Odeon of Agrippa. Signboards help you picture how the open square once looked.
The long colonnade on the eastern side is the Stoa of Attalos, originally a gift to Athens from King Attalos II of Pergamon in the 2nd century BC and lined with shops. It was reconstructed in the 1950s and now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, displaying finds from the excavations of the American School of Classical Studies, which began in 1931. Look for the exhibits connected with Athenian democracy, alongside coins, pottery, sculpture and everyday household items.
The site suits anyone interested in history and is a good choice for families, as there is space to explore and plenty of trees for shade. Allow around two hours for the site and the museum. Paths are gravel and dirt with some slopes, but the museum in the Stoa itself is wheelchair accessible. The combined ticket for the main archaeological sites of Athens includes the Agora, and the Acropolis is a short uphill walk away.
The main entrance is on Adrianou Street, a few minutes' walk from Monastiraki and Thissio metro stations on Line 1. Afterwards, Adrianou has a long row of cafés and tavernas facing the railway line and the temple, and the Monastiraki flea market begins at the corner.
Ancient Agora of Athens FAQs
What was the Ancient Agora?
The civic and commercial centre of ancient Athens, laid out in the 6th century BC, where citizens met, traded and took part in public life.
What is the Stoa of Attalos?
A 2nd-century BC colonnade given by King Attalos II of Pergamon, rebuilt in the 1950s; it now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Is the Temple of Hephaestus part of the site?
Yes, it stands on the low hill at the western side and remains largely intact.
How long should I allow?
About two hours for the site and the museum.
Is it accessible?
The museum in the Stoa is wheelchair accessible; paths across the site are gravel with slopes.
Where is the entrance?
On Adrianou Street, a few minutes' walk from Monastiraki and Thissio metro stations.
Who excavated the Agora?
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens, which began excavating in 1931.