The road to the Acropolis from the Monastiraki lies through the ancient Agora. In ancient times it was the heart of public life in Athens (Greece).

Agora

This was the main place of commerce, as well as a gathering place of the Athenians, where they were going to learn and discuss the latest news.

Here were all the public services, court, mint, theaters, schools and many monuments of «outstanding generals of Athens».

Ruins of the Agora

You can find beautiful temple at the territory which is dominated over Agora dedicated to the god Hephaestus (Gefesteon). The temple is very well preserved. Its construction dates from the mid 5 th century BC. Despite the fact that the temple is smaller than the Parthenon, in its beauty and perfection, he may well compete with the Parthenon. Also, most of the statues of the temple were well preserved and you can see them in the gallery Atalla with the friezes dedicated to Hercules and Theseus.

Gefesteon

Sights of the Agora

Well preserved statue of Triton (merman — half man — half serpent). In the Middle Ages they served as decoration of the main
entrance to the residence of the Byzantine Empress Eudoxia, a native of Athens (the wife of Emperor Theodosius II). In the eastern part there is fully restored Gallery of Attalos, which was built in 2. BC by the king of Pergam Attalia.

Gallery of Attalos

Today, it demonstrates many finds from the excavations at the Agora. For example, bronze and stone lots for a vote, a water clock ticking for public speakers, texts of laws, household items.

Agora is not as crowded as the Acropolis. In the standard one-day tours from the Mediterranean cruise ships visiting it is not included. But, nevertheless, Agora, no less interesting place to visit than the Acropolis itself.

Museum of the Agora

Agora on the map