The Ancient Agora of Athens was the commercial, political and social centre of ancient Athenian society, and no visit to the Greek capital city would be complete without first touring the impressive ruins of its iconic monuments.
From the best nearby hotels to the most impressive structures within the site and the stories behind them, this is everything you need to know to fully immerse in the Archaeological Site of the Ancient Agora of Athens as you explore a time of philosophical, commercial, and intellectual prosperity.
Visit Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Agora of Athens Opening Hours
Summer Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
Winter Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Ancient Agora of Athens Ticket Prices: €10 general admission; €5 reduced rate
Ancient Agora of Athens Address: Athens 105 55, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Ederlezi Boutique Hotel | Athens Utopia Ermou | Acropolis View Hotel
Tours: Athens Full Day Private Tour | Athens Highlights: a Mythological Tour
Top Sights: Temple of Hephaestus | Odeon of Agrippa | Stoa of Attalos (Museum)
Ancient Agora of Athens Map
Ancient Agora of Athens: A Brief History
The Agora of Athens is as old as Athenian society itself, with the earliest evidence of human occupation dating back to the late Neolithic Period (3000 BCE), with the area later being used under the Myceans during the Bronze and Iron Ages (1600 BCE to 700 BCE).
It wasn’t until the 6th century BCE that the area became the Athenian political and social centre, with several public buildings and workshops sprouting up along the Panathenaic Way to cement it as the heart of the developing society.
Over the course of the next 400 years, the Agora would be destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, including after the Persians sacked the city in 480 BCE, followed by the Herulians in 267 BCE.
After each successive invasion, the Agora was rebuilt larger and more impressive than before, with the majority of the current ruins dating back to the time periods immediately following periods of destruction.
As control of Athens passed between rising superpowers such as the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, so too did their influences on the development of the Agora, with each successive civilization leaving behind its own additions and construction projects.
Despite its moments of strife, the Athenian Agora stayed the social and commercial centre of society for about a thousand years until the site was ultimately abandoned following the Slavic invasion in 580 CE.
The site was only again occupied as a residential area after Greece required its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832, with the first excavations of the site starting in 1931 by the American School of Classical Studies.
Things to See and Do in the Ancient Agora of Athens
1. Temple of Hephaestus
Also known as the Hephaesteon, the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora of Athens was built in the 5th century BCE in the same wave of construction projects undertaken by Pericles to improve the Spiritual development of the city that saw the establishment of the Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion,
Honouring the patron god of metalworking, craftsmanship, and fire, the temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Greece today and is a remarkable example of Dorian architecture, boasting six columns on the east and western edges, and 13 along its north and south faces.
2. Odeon of Agrippa
The Odeon of Agrippa was constructed towards the end of the 1st century BCE as a gift to the people of Athens by Roman Statesman and general Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and is set right in the centre of the Agora itself.
The two-story concert hall was able to seat up to 1,000 spectators at the height of its glory and featured 19 rows of benches, a marble-paved orchestra, and two entrances, one for the audience and one for performers.
In 150 CE, the roof of the auditorium collapsed and was subsequently rebuilt, this time about half the size of the original. While smaller, the entrance was made all the more glorious and featured massive pillars of giants and tritons, the remains of which are among some of the best ruins in the Agora today.
3. Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles
A later addition to the Athenian Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles was built during the Byzantine Period in the 11th century CE. It has undergone alterations over the centuries but was restored to its original form in 1954. It remains the only structure in the Agora besides the Temple of Hephaestus to have remained intact since its original construction.
4. Stoa of Attalos (Museum of the Ancient Agora)
Gifted to the people of Athens by King Attalos II of Pergamon, the construction of the impressive Stoa of Attalos occurred between 159 and 138 BCE, and it served as one of the most monumental structures in the Ancient Agora for over four centuries.
Unfortunately, the building was destroyed during the Herulian invasion in 267 CE, only to be rebuilt in the 1950s. Designed to be as accurate to the original design as possible, the Stoa is one of the most impressive structures in the archaeological site today, albeit not quite as authentic as the Temple of Hephaestus.
However, the Stoa of Attalos serves a double purpose, doubling as the site’s museum. Housing several artifacts ranging from statues and weapons to vases and antiques, the museum is a great way to explore the evolution of society as it occurred within the ancient Agora’s historic marketplace.
5. Other Ancient Ruins in the Ancient Agora of Athens
While these are the top ruins within the Archaeological Site of the Ancient Agora of Athens, they are also just the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of ruins and historic structures to explore, including the following.
- Altar of the Twelve Gods
- The Monument of the Eponymous Heroes
- The Metroon
- The Temple of Ares
- Temple of Aphrodite Urania
- Stoa of Basileios
- Stoa of Poikile
- Stoa of Attalos
- The Square Peristyle
- The Library of Pantainos
- Much more
How to Get to the Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece?
Found in the shadow of the Acropolis in the heart of Athens, the Ancient Agora is within walking distance of all of the hotels of the city’s historic centre. Meanwhile, those staying in a surrounding neighbourhood can also access the site via a short metro ride to either Thissio Station (Green Line) or Monastiraki Station (Blue & Green Line).
Where to Stay Near the Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece?
Thanks to its location in the heart of the city, there are plenty of accommodation options perfect for a visit to the Ancient Agora of Athens, both in the historic centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. Still, those looking to stay within walking distance will find the best lodging at Athens Utopia Ermou or Acropolis View Hotel.
FAQS About Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece
Where is the Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece?
The Ancient Agora of Athens is located in the very centre of Athens’s historical district, within the shadow of the Acropolis itself.
How Much is Admission at the Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece?
Tickets to the Ancient Agora of Athens cost €10 for general admission and €5 for reduced rates, which include off-season visits. Combined tickets are also available for €30 and include access to the Agora and six other archaeological sites across Athens.
How Long Do I Need to Explore the Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece?
The Ancient Agora of Athens is huge and offers plenty to see. You should plan at least two hours to tour the site and 3 hours if you are looking for a more thorough exploration.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near the Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece?
If you enjoyed learning about the Ancient Agora of Athens, then you are in luck. The Greek capital city is full of exciting historical sites to explore, including these archaeological sites located nearby.
- Acropolis of Athens
- Ancient Roman Agora
- Hadrian’s Library
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Kerameikos Archaeological Site
- Aristotle’s Lyceum
