Ancient Agora of Athens, Athens

Ancient Agora of Athens, Athens (must see)

The ancient Agora of Athens sits beneath the revered hill of the Acropolis. This sprawling site contains the remnants of what was once a vast and intricate marketplace complex. In ancient times, the Agora served as the beating heart of public life in the city-state of Athens. Numerous administrative buildings, temples, altars, and roofed shopping arcades known as 'stoas', as well as fountains were constructed around the open square, which took its final shape in the 2nd century AD. Common citizens would gather here to engage in political discussions and participate in the voting process for proposed laws. It was within the Agora council buildings, law courts, and streets that democracy took root and thrived.

In 507 BC, Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a system of political reforms which he termed "demokratia", or the "rule of the people". This consisted of three distinct institutions, such as the "ekklesia", a sovereign governing body responsible for drafting laws and shaping foreign policy; the "boule", a council of representatives from the ten Athenian tribes; and the "dikasteria" – popular courts where citizens presented cases to a panel of randomly selected jurors. Although Athenian democracy lasted only two centuries, it stands as one of ancient Greece's most enduring legacies to the modern world.

Beyond its role as the city's political center, the Agora also served as a venue for religious ceremonies, commercial transactions, theatrical and musical shows, and even athletic competitions. The city mint producing Athens' silver currency was here, just as the state prison in which philosopher Socrates was executed in 399 BC.

Tips:
Admission to the on-site museum is included in the Agora ticket. Water fountains and restrooms are conveniently located nearby.
The site also features a well-marked ancient temple complete with the remains of the ancient drainage system.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Ancient Agora of Athens on Map

Sight Name: Ancient Agora of Athens
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Athens, Greece

Create Your Own Walk in Athens

Create Your Own Walk in Athens

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Athens Introduction Walking Tour

Athens Introduction Walking Tour

Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis

Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis

Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour

Athens Food Walking Tour

Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatzíki, dolmádes, kalamarákia) can constitute a full meal. Greece’s most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden

Walking Around the National Garden

The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto’s queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour

Plaka Attractions Walking Tour

In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The “neighborhood of the Gods”, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.

From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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