The Agora, the marketplace and civic center, was one of the most important parts of an ancient city of Athens. In addition to being a place where people gathered to buy and sell all kinds of commodities, it was also a place where people assembled to discuss all kinds of topics: business, politics, current events, or the nature of the universe and the divine.  The Agora of Athens, where ancient Greek democracy first came to life, provides a wonderful opportunity to examine the commercial, political, religious, and cultural life of one of the great cities of the ancient world.

The Ruins of the Agora
Most of what has been excavated and is visible on the site bears witness to its turbulent history, and the unearthed artifacts juxtapose the diverse cultural influences which at different times imposed their customs on the landscape.

The most visible monument is the temple of Hephestus (or Thesion) which still adorns a low hill in the Northwest end of the Agora. The temple's construction begun in 450 BC and it is still preserved in remarkable shape to our day. In many ways The Thesion resembles the Parthenon with its Doric form, though it was built much smaller in scale.

Opening hours:
Daily 08.00-17.00

Tickets:
Special ticketing package for the Archaeological Sites of Athens
(Acropolis site and museum, Ancient Agora, Theatre of Dionysos
Kerameikos, Olympieion, Roman Agora): € 12 (reduced: € 6).