Visiting the Ancient Agora of Athens? Here’s everything you need to know.
Aside from the Acropolis, I would consider the Ancient Agora of Athens to be one of the coolest historical sights to see in Athens.
Did you know there are two main Agoras in Athens?
There is the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora. In this post, we will be covering the Ancient Agora of Athens, which is arguably the most popular of the two.
What is an Agora?
An agora is simply a designated public spot for Greeks to meet; specifically for political, religious, artistic, and communal gatherings. The word Agora translates to “gathering place”.
The Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens was founded in the 6th century BCE. It initially was used for military duty or to communicate statements from rulers. Over time, it evolved and served as a marketplace where Athenians would sell their goods and meet for cultural and religious events.
Spiritually, the Agora was considered a sacred place. Even the layout was designed to worship the holy road that ran through the middle, Panathenaic Way. This special road led to the traditional festival to worship the goddess, Athena.
Where to Find the Agora
You can see the remains of the Agora all throughout the grassy areas between the Acropolis and Monastiraki.
The Agora is not a building or a designated confined area, but rather a mass amount of land taking up a large area. You can even spot the metro tracks running along the outskirts of the complex.
The exact location of the entrance to the Agora and museum is: Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55
Ticket Prices
During high season, tickets are 20 euros.
Low season, tickets are 10 euros.
For European citizens under the age of 25, entrance is free.
The Athens pass or Combo ticket is 30 euros and includes entrance to many of the famous historical sights of Athens over the course of 5 days. This is a great value for tourists, especially if it’s your first time in Athens.
Where to get Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on location, this includes both a single entrance to the Agora and the Athens combo pass.
You can also get tickets on their official website here (however their website is glitchy sometimes!)
You can also purchase different combo packages on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Temple of Hephaestus
Located on the northwest side of the Agora on top of Agoraios Kolonos hill sits the Temple of Hephaestus.
This temple is well preserved due to its various uses and conversion into a Christian church. The Temple of Hephaestus has not been re-constructed and is considered the best ancient preserved temple in Greece.
Who was Hephaestus?
Hephaestus was the Greek God of Fire and Metalworking.
Worshipped by craftsmen, and frowned upon by others for being ugly and walking with a limp. Hephaestus was the son of Zeus and Hera, though Hera rejected him and cast him off Mount Olympus due to his disabilities.
Later, he gained revenge by returning and making her a magical throne, which did not allow her to get up once she sat down. How ironic!
It only seems fitting that one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece was dedicated to a craftsman.
Stoa of Attalos
Traditionally, a stoa is a covered walkway where stoics would gather and discuss philosophy.
It’s hard to ignore this massive structure as you walk through Monastiraki. Initially constructed in 159 BC, it served as a shopping center for Athenians.
Unfortunately, the building you see now is a reconstructed model to honor the original structure. The stoa was destroyed in 267 AD and reconstructed in 1956 with the financial support of American John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Inside the stoa is also the Agora Museum, where you can view ancient tools, furniture, and statues.
The Best Photo Spots at the Ancient Athens Agora
It’s hard to not want to take a selfie or two at some of the most iconic archaeological sights in the world. These are truly fascinating moments you’ll want to remember forever!
Front of the Stoa of Attalos
The massive columns lining the front of the stoa make for a memorable photo of your Agora experience.
The Backside of the Temple of Hephaestus
After climbing the stairs to Agoraios Kolonos hill, head to the back of the temple for a wider view. You can’t get a photo like this in the front, because the entrance is too close to the cliff facing the Acropolis.
Generally, there aren’t as many people lingering around in the back.
Front of Temple of Hephaestus
Okay, I know I just told you to skip the front of the temple for photos. While you won’t get the best photo of the temple on the front side, you will get a beautiful view of the Acropolis.
Best Time to Visit the Ancient Agora of Athens
Famous archeological sights like the Acropolis and the Agora can get really crowded.
The best time to visit would be during the off-season months, October – March.
If you are traveling during the summer (peak season) try to visit first thing in the morning on a weekday.
How Long to Plan
Don’t underestimate the agora! Be sure to save two hours of your day to explore this fascinating complex.
Ancient Agora of Athens Hours
8am-5pm. The last entrance is at 4:30 pm.
Days for Free Entrance to Archaeological Sights
On special days of the year, some of the historical sights in Athens are free to visit:
March 6 – Melina Mercouri Day
April 18 – International Day of Monuments
May 18 – International Day of Museums
Last weekend in September – European Heritage Days
October 28 – Oxi Day
First Sunday of each month between November 1- March 31
Now you’ll be fully prepared to visit one of the most significant archeological sights in Athens, Greece!
This post was all about the Ancient Athens Agora.
Planning your trip to Greece? Check out my Ios Greece Island travel guide.
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Ios Greece is a stunning island located in the Cyclades between Santorini and Naxos.
After staying two weeks in Ios Greece, I discovered the best-kept secrets and hidden gems of the island. Here is the ultimate Ios Greece travel guide.
Ios Island Greece Travel Guide
When to Visit
The best time to visit is June to early September. Businesses start to shut down when the tourist season ends, so be sure to plan your trip before the second week of September.
How Long to Stay
3 days is the perfect amount of time in Ios.
What to Wear
The weather during peak season is hot, so pack light and airy clothing. Towards late August/early September it can get quite windy, so consider bringing a jacket.
Chora (pronounced hor-ah) means the main town or village. This is the main area of Ios where you will find the best dinner spots, shopping, and nightlife. While it’s nice to explore during the day, the Chora comes to life at night around 8 pm. You will spend most of your evenings here!
Mylopotas Beach
Mylopotas is where to spend your day before heading up the Chora. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe and grab an iced latte or fresh orange juice. There are lots of cafes, shops, and brunch spots.
The Port
While most of the time you will likely be exploring the Chora or Mylopotas, there are some nice restaurants and hotels near the port.
Best Beaches
There are literally dozens of beaches in Ios. Here are the best beaches accessible by foot or ATV;
Mylopotas Beach
Mylopotas Beach
The most popular beach in Ios in terms of accessibility, beauty, and comfort. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Chora or a short drive or bus ride. It has rows of restaurants, cafes, lounge chairs, and shops
Maganari Beach
Taking the bus to Maganari from the town center is a MUST. Maganari is considered to be the most beautiful beach in Ios. It’s quieter, and the beach and water are just stunning.
Kolitsani Beach
Perhaps a beach for the more…adventurous! Kolitsani is an optional nude beach located halfway between the Chora and Maganari Beach.
Mills is a family-owned traditional greek tavern located at the top of the Chora, right next to the windmills. This was my favorite restaurant by far in Ios.
Nest
Another fantastic greek traditional tavern is located in the center of the Chora.
Katogi
Katogi is a trendy tapas restaurant in the center of the Chora. The space is small and popular, so make a reservation.
Best Brunch Spots
Nutelleria
Nutelleria
This is a great cheap and quick grab-and-go brunch when you’re eager to start your day!
Cantina Del Mar
This was my favorite sit-down brunch spot. The food and portions were fantastic and it has a beautiful view of Mylopots beach.
Harmony
Harmony sits on the opposite side of Mylopotas. It’s the perfect spot to get an acai bowl and even take part in their yoga on certain weekdays.
Nightlife
ClickKafeneio
Best Cocktails
-Click Cocktail Bar
-Valsamo
-Astra
Live Music
-Kafeneio
Bars & Clubs
-Flames
-The Slammer
-Sweet Irish Dream
-Fun Pub (karaoke)
Best Things to do in Ios Greece
Ios may be a small island, however, there is loads to do! Here are the top things to do on Ios island, Greece.
1. Maganari beach
This is one of the top things to do on the island. The best way to get to Maganari is to take the public bus right outside the Chora in the town center. It’s 7.50 euros roundtrip and departs from noon and returns at 5pm. Maganari is a must-see!
2. Rent ATV’s and explore the island
Renting a car or ATV for a day is the perfect way to see what the whole island has to offer.
3. Book a boat tour
If you’re itching to see some of Ios’s most remote beaches, book an Ios boat tour.
4. Visit Homer’s Tomb
Located in the northern part of Ios near the beach of Plakotos, visit the tomb of one of the greatest poets of all time.
5. Explore the Chora.. day and night!
Wander through the stunning quiet streets of the Chora during the day (and take some photos!) Then, at night experience the village really comes to life. Be sure to go bar hopping at the many bars the town has to offer.
6. Odysseus Elythis Theater
Exerpience the historic open-air theater of Ios.
7. Watch the Sunset at Ios Sunset Club
Ios Sunset Club is a centrally located and affordable cocktail club to watch the incredible sunsets in Ios.
8. Spend an evening at Pathos Club
Have an evening at the most impressive cocktail clubs in Ios. Be sure to stay for the sunset!
9. Relax at Mylopotas Beach
A beach that you can spend the whole day at lounging around drinking fresh-squeezed orange juice.
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Ah, to travel to Greece is like hitting the Park Place of a monopoly board – it’s THE spot!
Traveling to Greece was one of the first times I had ever traveled outside of the United States. It was beautiful, dreamy, and unlike anything I had ever seen before.
One of the many things I love about traveling to Greece is the country has a wide variety of different destinations to choose from. Whether you fancy the bustling city life of Athens, the party island of Mykonos, or discovering a pirate fort on an island in Crete – Greece truly has it all.
20 Photos to Inspire you to Travel to Greece
In no particular order, here are 20 photos to Inspire you to Travel to Greece (including some places you have never heard of!)
Gramvousa, Crete
There is something so beautiful about an abandoned ship sitting in the most pristine water you’ll ever see. If you are staying in Chania, I highly recommend booking a day tour to Gramvousa & Balos (often paired together).
The shipwreck of “DIMITRIOS P” resides in Gramvousa bay alongside a couple of other abandoned boats.
Did I mention there are also ancient pirate forts? Literally one of the coolest places in Greece!
Who said Pirates didn’t go to church?
Santorini
Odds are if you’ve done the slightest research in traveling to Greece, that Santorini comes up at the top! Santorini is the most popular island in Greece.
Santorini is stunning and totally worth exploring. However, it can be very touristy and expensive in comparison to some of the other Greek islands that are just as beautiful.
Elafonisi Lagoon, Crete
“The Pink Beach” they call this crystal blue lagoon in Crete.
There is a type of reaction the water has between the sand and the shells, thus causing the sand a blush pink color
TIP – the sand isn’t always pink, it truly just depends on the day. I drove hours to see this beach and it wasn’t pink at all at first, which was obviously disappointing. However, after about an hour of being there, we got lucky and it changed to super pink in the late afternoon.
Pink sand aside, the beach is beautiful and very clean. It’s totally worth a short drive, but I wouldn’t plan your entire trip around it! Read more about Elafonisi and when to visit, here.
Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes
The Acropolis of Lindos Medieval Castle is one of my favorite historical sights I’ve ever explored. Lindos itself feels like a step back in time. Rhodes is one of my favorite Greek islands, and it’s completely underrated.
Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion is the capitol of Crete and one of the largest cities in Greece. It’s nice to walk around and explore for a day, especially if you are into exploring some historical sights.
Mykonos
When I think of Mykonos I’m instantly reminded of water-front restaurants, colorful buildings, and bumpin’ nightclubs.
Mykonos is definitely known as one of the party islands of Greece. However, it’s enjoyable for any type of traveler.. just take look at how stunning it is.
Malia, Crete
Malia is a coastal town in Crete that is known for two things – the stunning beaches and nightlife.
Chania, Crete
If you are planning a big trip to Crete, Chania is a fantastic place to base yourself. There’s quite a bit to do in the city and there are loads of day tours to many places like Gramvousa, Balos, and even Santorini.
The Parthenon, Athens
The Parthenon is a fantastic historic sight to see when visiting the country’s capitol.
I hope these 20 Photos Inspire you to Travel to Greece.. and maybe even inspire you to travel to a destination in Greece that you would have never thought of going to!
Let me know in the comments which destination in Greece you would love to travel to.
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