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Stoa of Attalos: A Glimpse into Ancient Athenian Life

Explore the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos in Athens' Ancient Agora, housing a museum with fascinating artifacts of daily life in ancient Greece.

The Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed ancient covered walkway in Athens' Ancient Agora, was originally built in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon as a gift to the city. Today, it houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, displaying artifacts of daily Athenian life.

A brief summary to Stoa Attalou

  • Adrianou 24, Athens, 105 55, GR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and the Stoa's architecture.
  • Consider purchasing a combo ticket to access multiple historical sites in Athens, including the Acropolis and Ancient Agora.
  • Check the official website for updated opening hours and any temporary modifications due to high temperatures.
  • Wheelchair users can access both levels of the museum via an elevator; ask site guards for assistance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Monastiraki Square, walk east along Adrianou Street. The Stoa of Attalos is located on the east side of the Ancient Agora, approximately a 4-minute walk from the square. Follow the signs for the Ancient Agora.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro Line 1 or 3 to Monastiraki station. Exit the station and walk east along Adrianou Street for approximately 4 minutes. The entrance to the Ancient Agora, where the Stoa of Attalos is located, will be on your right. A single metro ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Syntagma Square, take a taxi to the Ancient Agora. The ride is approximately 1.5 kilometers and should take about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure the meter is turned on. The estimated cost is €5-€7.

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Discover more about Stoa Attalou

The Stoa of Attalos, located in the Ancient Agora of Athens, offers visitors a captivating journey into the heart of ancient Athenian life. Originally constructed around 150 BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon, it was a gift to the city in gratitude for the education he received there. The Stoa served as a bustling commercial, social, and cultural hub, essentially an ancient shopping mall where Athenians gathered to socialize and trade. The building itself is a marvel of Hellenistic architecture, measuring 115 meters in length and 20 meters in width. It features a two-story design with a double colonnade. The exterior colonnade on the ground floor showcases the Doric style, while the interior colonnade and upper level feature Ionic columns. The Stoa was constructed using Pentelic marble for the facade and columns, and limestone for the walls. Destroyed by the Heruli in 267 AD, the Stoa remained in ruins for centuries. However, it was meticulously reconstructed between 1952 and 1956 by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, with funding from the Rockefeller family. The reconstruction incorporated original materials and ruins where possible, bringing the Stoa back to life. Today, the Stoa of Attalos houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora. The museum's exhibits primarily showcase artifacts related to Athenian democracy, including sculptures, pottery, coins, and everyday objects unearthed during excavations. Highlights include a water clock (klepsydra) used for timing speakers and ancient ballot boxes. The Stoa of Attalos stands as a testament to ancient architectural brilliance and a symbol of cultural heritage, bridging history and modernity.

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