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Stoa of Attalos: A Window into Ancient Athenian Life

Step back in time at the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed marvel housing the Museum of the Ancient Agora in the heart of Athens.

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The Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed ancient covered walkway and marketplace, stands as a testament to Hellenistic architecture and Athenian democracy. Housing the Museum of the Ancient Agora, it offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life, commerce, and governance of ancient Athens through its extensive collection of artifacts.

A brief summary to Stoa of Attalos - Museum of the Ancient Agora

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning for a less crowded, more contemplative experience.
  • The combined ticket offers access to multiple sites, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Hadrian's Library.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground and climbing stairs.
  • Check the official website for current opening hours, as they may be modified due to high temperatures.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Stoa of Attalos is easily accessible via the Athens Metro. Take Line 1 or Line 3 to Monastiraki station, which is a short 4-minute walk to the Stoa. From the station, walk east towards Adrianou Street, where you'll find the entrance to the Ancient Agora. A single metro ticket costs €1.20.

  • Walking

    From Syntagma Square, the Stoa of Attalos is approximately a 15-minute walk. Walk downhill through the Plaka district, passing neoclassical buildings. Head northwest towards Adrianou Street, where the entrance to the Ancient Agora is located. Note that the route has some stairs.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near the Ancient Agora on Adrianou Street. A short taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the Stoa of Attalos typically costs between €5 and €8. Be aware that traffic can be heavy in central Athens.

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Discover more about Stoa of Attalos - Museum of the Ancient Agora

The Stoa of Attalos, located in the Ancient Agora of Athens, is a meticulously reconstructed structure that embodies the grandeur of Hellenistic architecture. Originally built by King Attalos II of Pergamon between 159 and 138 BC as a gift to the city for the education he received there, the Stoa served as a bustling commercial and social hub. Typical of the Hellenistic age, the Stoa was larger and more elaborate than earlier Athenian buildings. Its dimensions are 115 meters in length and 20 meters in width, constructed from Pentelic marble and limestone. The building showcases a skillful use of different architectural orders: Doric columns adorn the exterior colonnade on the ground floor, while Ionic columns support the interior. The upper floor features Ionic exterior columns and Pergamene interior columns. The Stoa had two stories, each with two aisles and 21 rooms lining the western wall. These rooms, lit by doorways and small windows, once housed shops and offices. Destroyed by the Heruli in 267 AD, the Stoa's ruins were cleared in the late 19th century. Between 1952 and 1956, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens undertook a complete reconstruction, using original materials where possible, transforming it into the Museum of the Ancient Agora. The Museum of the Ancient Agora houses a rich collection of artifacts unearthed during excavations, providing insights into Athenian democracy and daily life from the Neolithic period to the Ottoman era. Exhibits include sculptures, pottery, coins, inscriptions, and objects related to civic life, such as a water clock used for timing speakers and ancient ballot boxes. Noteworthy items include a bronze Spartan shield, official clay measures, and pottery shards inscribed with the names of political figures. The upper floor of the Stoa also provides an excellent view of the Agora, the Pnyx, and the Acropolis.

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