Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Heart of ancient Athens
- Amazing Temple of Hephaestus
Time required: 80 minutes
Phone: +30 210 321 0185
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| April 1 - Oct 31, daily: | 8am - 8pm |
| Nov 1 - March 31, daily: | 8:30am - 3pm |
| Public holidays: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 4 € |
| Reduced: | 2 € |
Public transport:
- Green Metro Line: Monastiraki station
Address: Adrianou Street, Monastiraki
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: placeboe
Things you need to know:
- The Agora was Athens' market place, the heart of city, and the birth place of the world's first democracy
- The marketplace was laid out in the 6th c. BC. It served as the center for all civic activities (politics, religion, philosophy, commerce, arts and athletics)
- Such historic figures addressed the pulic here as Socrates, Aristotales, or St. Paul
- The Temple of Hephaistos (god of technology, blacksmiths and craftsmen) is the best preserved Greek Temple. It dates back to the 5th c. BC
- Stoa of Attalos is the reconstruction of its 2nd c. BC version. It houses a museum that displays all the finds excavated at Agora
- Stoa is a covered colonnaded walkway open to public usage. Merchants sold their goods, artists displayed their works, and religious gatherings took place here
- Other highlights are: ruins of Middle Stoa, Agii Apostoli Solaki, Tholos (first Athenian parliament), and Odeon of Agrippa (a large concert hall)
What to do there:
- Walk around and explore the ancient sites, statues, ruins
- The Temple of Hephaestus is an absolute must-see
- Do not miss Stoa of Attalos, Odeon of Agrippa, Altar of Zeus Agoraios
- Relax on a bench in a shady spot under old olive trees and be impressed by the surroundings
- Enjoy the stunning view over the acropolis
Tips & Insights:
- Save some money by buying a combined ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Kerameikos
