Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Best known example of Greek agora
- Ancient Athens' commercial and administrative center
Time required: 45 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| April 1 - Oct 31, daily: | 8am - 8pm |
| Nov 1 - March 31, daily: | 8am - 5pm |
| Public holidays: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 2 € |
Public transport:
- Green Metro Line: Monastiraki station
Address: Aiolou and Diogenous, Monastiraki
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: reinholdbehringer
Things you need to know:
- Julius Caesar founded the Roman Forum in 51 B.C. and moved Athens' marketplace here from the old Agora. It used to be larger than what we see today
- The old marketplace was not sufficient to fulfill its purpose. Athens-loving Romans moved into the old Agora site and crowded out the merchants
- The new forum overtook the old Agora's role of being the city's commercial and administrative center until the 19th century
- The octagonal Tower of Winds was built in 50 B.C. It depicts the eight winds on its sides. A waterclock was operated inside the tower by a stream from the Acropolis
- Gate of Athena Archegetis used to be the Western entrance of the marketplace. The columns are made of marble
- The picturesque Fetiye mosque was built in 1458 to commemorate the Turkish sultan's, Mehmet II the Conqueror's visit to Athens
- Other highlights: Agoranomeion (Office of the Market Officials), Vespasianae (68-seat Public Latrine), Byzantine Grave Markers, East Gate, Courtyard and the Fountain
What to do there:
- Walk around the small area and admire the ancient site
- Do not miss the main ruins: the gate entrance to the market and the Tower of the Winds
Tips & Insights:
- Save some money by buying a combined ticket that gives access to Akropolis, Agora, Roman Forum, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Kerameikos
