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Ancient Agora of Athens | Where History Speaks Through Ruins
History of the Ancient Agora of Athens
- Agora was the heart of ancient Athens and a site where all social, religious, political, and commercial topics were discussed.
- Initially, it was used as a burial and residential area, but in the sixth century, in the time of Solon, it was transformed into a public area.
- In the second century B.C., the Ancient Agora of Athens finally got a rectangular form.
- The space underwent serious damage in 480/ 79 B.C. by the Persians and in 89 B.C. by the Romans and hence was extensively renovated.
- The Greek Archaeological Society carried out the first excavation in 1859-1912. The American School of Classical Studies further excavated the site in 1931 and continued it until 1941.
- To unwrap the treasures of the Ancient Agora of Athens, around four hundred modern buildings had to be demolished.
- The Greek Archaeological Society restored the facades of the Gymnasium and four colossal figures of Giants in the nineteenth century.
- The Hephaisteion was restored, the Byzantine church became an American school, and the Stoa of Attalos was converted into a museum.
- The Hephaisteion area was restored and preserved between 1972 and 1975. Vegetation was cleared, and a few structural changes were made to the building.
- In 1978, The Archaeological Service got the roof of the Hephaisteion temple repaired.
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Highlights of Ancient Agora of Athens
Site Monuments of the Ancient Agora of Athens
Built to honour Hephaistos, the God of crafts, potters, and metalworks, the Temple of Hephaistos is one of the best-preserved buildings in Greece. It has undergone many alterations and served different purposes, like the church of St. George, a burial spot for those who died during the war, and a welcome spot for the modern Greek state's first king, Otto.
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Situated in Agora's southwest corner, directly south of the Bouleuterion, Tholos at the Ancient Agora of Athens served as the president's headquarters. It was built around 470 BC and stood out because of its unusual round shape. Two small rooms were on Tholos' northern side, serving as a pantry and kitchen. Heaps of drinking cups and dinnerware were found in excavations conducted at this site.
Also Read - Theatre of Dionysus
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Constructed in the eleventh century, the Church of Holy Apostles in the Ancient Agora of Athens is one of the few structures that have remained intact and haven't suffered massive destruction. Its exterior has been beautified with decorative tilework, and the interior has an unusual tetraconch plan. Today, it is a protected Byzantine monument that opens once every year.
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Dating back to the end of the sixth century BC, Bouleuterion at the Ancient Agora of Athens served as the seating space for the members of the Boule council. This ancient building was almost square and included a main council chamber, an oblong antechamber, and wooden benches arranged in rows. It looks like an early Greek temple and is composed of Doric buildings of different eras.
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Named after King Attalus II, Stoa of Attalos is a restored building where commercial activities of the city were conducted. The two-story structure contained around twenty-one workshops and stores. It was destroyed in the third century AD, leading to an extensive reconstruction and the opening of the Agora Museum.
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The Temple of Aphrodite Urania is an ancient structure dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. It was constructed in the early fifth century BC and stands northwest of Agora. The temple had Aphrodite's marble statue made by the famous sculptor Phidias. Several remains of this statue can still be found near the train track on the hill and the Hephaestus temple.
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About the Ancient Agora of Athens Museum
- The Ancient Agora of Athens Museum is situated inside the Stoa of Attalos and was reconstructed in the 1950s.
- You can see here finds from the excavations conducted in the Ancient Agora by the American School of Classical Studies dating from the Neolithic to the Post-Byzantine era.
- From statues to pottery and coins, the museum offers an insight into the life of the ancient Athenians.
- One of the most fascinating objects on display is a massive shield weighing 30 kilos.
- You can also see banners and posters here that provide detailed information about the Agora and life in Ancient Athens.
- The exhibition is organized in thematic units and chronological order, revealing important aspects of private and public life in ancient Athens.
- The first-floor exhibition showcases a collection of Athenian sculptures emphasizing the important portraits excavated by the American School of Classical Studies in the Athenian Agora.
- The highlights of the museum include the cult statue from the Apollo Patrons Temple, the fifth century BC column capital, and the Pyxis with Three Heroes lid.
- The new exhibition is categorized into six units and offers an experiential approach to ancient Stoa's architecture.
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Know Before You Go Ancient Agora of Athens
Location:
Adrianou St. 24, Athens, Greece
Timings:
8 am-8 pm every day. Remains closed on certain holidays like Easter, Christmas, and New Year.
Best to Time to Visit:
Early morning (Weekends) is the best time to visit the Ancient Agora as the crowd is less and the weather is quite pleasant. March and November are ideal for visiting Agora as the rush is less due to the off-season, allowing you to explore the attraction without any fuss.
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How To Reach
- By Car: If you're coming by car, you will have to drive until you reach Adrianous 24, which is situated outside Thissio District. Park your car in the designated area and walk for two minutes to reach Ancient Agora.
- By Metro: If you are thinking about visiting Ancient Agora by metro, you'll have to take the metro green line and get down to Thissio station, which is around 1.4 km from Agora. From Thissio station, you'll have to walk for three to four minutes to reach Ancient Agora.
- By Foot: The Ancient Agora is accessible from Monastiraki metro station on foot in less than five minutes due to its central location. Monastiraki on lines 1 & 3 and Thissio on line 1 are the nearest metro stations. From these stations, you will have to walk for 3–5 minutes to reach the Ancient Agora.
Accessibility
The Ancient Agora is accessible from any part of the city by metro, taxi, or your own vehicle. Take the metro green line and get down to Thissio station, which is around 1.4 km from Agora. From Thissio station, you'll have to walk for three to four minutes to reach Ancient Agora. As the Agora is situated in Athens's central area, you can reach here in less than 5 minutes on foot from Monastiraki Metro Station.
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FAQs for the Ancient Agora of Athens
Is there a museum in the Ancient Agora of Athens?
Yes, there is a museum in the Ancient Agora of Athens that houses artifacts from the site, including sculptures, pottery, and coins.
What are the best restaurants near the Ancient Agora of Athens?
- Lithos - Offers traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist.
- To Kafeneio - Serves authentic Greek dishes in a cozy setting.
- Tzitzikas & Mermigas - Offers a wide range of Greek cuisine and seafood options.
- Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani - Serves delicious meats and cheeses from all over Greece.
- The Terrace Bar - Offers stunning views of the Acropolis and a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
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What is the best time to visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens is during the spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November) seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in Athens can be very hot and crowded with tourists, so it's best to avoid visiting during this season if possible. Winter (December-February) can be cool and rainy, but it's also a quieter time to visit and the city is still enjoyable. However, some outdoor activities or sightseeing may be limited during the winter months. Ultimately, the best time to visit the Acropolis Of Athens depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience, visiting in the off-season could be a good option. On the other hand, if you're interested in festivals and events, or you want to take advantage of the city's beaches and outdoor activities, then the summer may be the best time for you to visit.
Are there any souvenirs available to purchase in the Ancient Agora of Athens?
Yes, there are several souvenir shops located near the Ancient Agora of Athens that sell items such as postcards, magnets, and replicas of ancient artifacts.
How much does it cost to visit the Athens Agora?
The entrance fee for the Ancient Agora of Athens varies depending on the season and whether you're a student or an adult. As of 2023, the general admission fee for adults is approximately €10, and for students with an ID card from an EU country, it is approximately €5. However, during the winter season (November 1 - March 31), the ticket price drops to €5 for adults and €3 for students. Children under the age of 18, as well as visitors with disabilities, can enter for free. There are also discounts available for groups. It's important to note that these prices are subject to change, so it's best to check the official website of the Ancient Agora of Athens for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices.
What are the places to visit in Acropolis?
- Acropolis Museum: The Acropolis Museum overlooks Acropolis Hill and is a treasure trove to learn about the Ancient Greeks. The museum collections include objects found during excavation on the Acropolis hill.
- Acropolis of Athens: The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most popular ancient archaeological sites in the world. Since prehistoric times, it has served many purposes, such as a citadel, a mythical home of the gods, a residence to kings, and a religious centre.
- Parthenon: Built to honour Athena Parthenos, the Greek goddess, Parthenon is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Since its construction, it has served as an Islamic mosque and a Christian church.
- Ancient Agora of Athens: The ancient Agora of Athens was a meeting place, market, commercial, political, and social hub of Athens. Within the Ancient Agora is the temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalus, and many other interesting ruins.
- Theatre of Dionysus: Situated on the southern side of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus is a prototype of Greek theatres. It is the world's oldest theatre, where the annual spring drama festival was organized.
What are the best things to do around Athens?
- Visit Lake Vouliagmeni: Get ready for a therapeutic experience as you take a dip in Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural spa lake famous for its mineral water. Have a natural pedicure, as many Garra Rufa fish nibble off dead skin on your feet.
- Explore the Benizelou Mansion: Learn about the architectural history of Athens by taking a tour of the Benizelou Mansion, the only surviving Ottoman-style mansion in the capital.
- Enjoy Street Dancing Milonga: Show your best moves as you participate in the street dancing Milonga, a dance fest that is organized each Monday on the streets of Athens. This dancing custom started eight years ago and has now become the most enjoyable activity for people of all ages.
- Shop at Pandrossou Market: Indulge in retail therapy at Pandrossou, a street flea market with over a hundred different stores. The market is a treasure trove of keepsakes such as jewellery, magnets, handicrafts, and handmade leather sandals.
- Relax at Al Hammam: Have an authentic Turkish bath that will revitalize your body and soul at Al Hammam, an Athenian bathhouse in Plaka. The experts will give you a head wash and a soothing oil massage.
What are the best restaurants near the Ancient Agora of Athens?
- Kuzina: Situated right under the Acropolis Kuzina is a Greek restaurant where you can savour delectable meals. On the second floor of the restaurant, there is an art gallery with masterpiece paintings and sculptures.
- Hard Rock Café: Enjoy traditional American fare like fries, beers, and burgers at Hard Rock Café, which is situated near the Ancient Agora of Athens.
- Cafe Abyssinia: Cafe Abyssinia is the best place for having home-style meals prepared using fresh ingredients. It has outdoor terrace seating and offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis.
What is the best time to visit The Ancient Agora of Athens?
Early morning (Weekends) is the best time to visit the Ancient Agora as you won't encounter huge crowds, and the weather is quite pleasant. March and November are ideal for visiting Agora as the rush is less due to the off-season, allowing you to explore the attraction without any fuss.
What is Athens famous for?
Athens is renowned for its vast cultural contributions and historical attractions. It boasts famous landmarks like the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Gate, and Agora, illustrating Athens' rich history. Athens houses one of the most well-known historical sites in the world, the Acropolis.
Is the Ancient Agora of Athens worth visiting?
Yes, the Ancient Agora of Athens is absolutely worth visiting as it is one of the best-preserved sites from ancient Greece. It gives a glimpse into the lives of the Greeks during the Classical Ages. You can see here the Stoa of Attalos, which houses the Agora's Museum and the Temple of Hephaestus.
How much does it cost to visit the Athens Agora?
The adult Athens Agora tickets cost approximately € 10 (Rs 892.34). Students have to pay € 5; an adult combined ticket is around € 30 (2677.02), and a student combined ticket costs € 15 (1338.51). Also, 6 March, 18 May, 18 April, 28 October, the Last weekend of September, and all Sundays from 1 November to 31 March are free admission days.