Monopteros, Athens Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover the Roman-era Monopteros in Athens' Ancient Agora, a unique circular structure with a debated past and architectural charm.

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A brief summary of Monopteros

Discover the Roman-era Monopteros in Athens' Ancient Agora, a unique circular structure with a debated past and architectural charm.

The Monopteros, a small circular structure in the Ancient Agora of Athens, offers a peek into the city's Roman past. This roofed colonnade, likely built in the mid-2nd century AD, may have served as a spring house or a decorative fountain, adding to the Agora's vibrant public space.

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Address: Στοά Αττάλου, Athina 105 55

Getting there

Walking

From Monastiraki Square, walk southwest on Ifestou Street. Continue straight until you reach Athinas Street, then turn left. Walk along Athinas Street to the Ancient Agora entrance. Once inside, the Monopteros is located south of the entrance, near the Stoa of Attalos.

Public Transport

Take the Metro to Monastiraki station (Green Line 1 or Blue Line 3). Exit the station and walk towards Athinas Street. Follow Athinas Street to the entrance of the Ancient Agora. The Monopteros is a short walk from the entrance within the Agora. A single metro ticket within Athens costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.

Taxi

Take a taxi from anywhere in central Athens to the Ancient Agora. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance on Adrianou Street. The Monopteros is located inside the Agora, a short walk from the entrance. A typical taxi fare within the city center is around €8. The base fare is €1.80, with a charge of €0.90/km during the day.

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Overview

Located within the Ancient Agora, the Monopteros stands as a testament to Roman influence in Athens. This small, circular building, approximately 8 meters in diameter, lacks walls and features a dome supported by columns. Constructed in the mid-2nd century AD, the Monopteros likely functioned as a spring house or possibly a fountain.Originally, the structure boasted ten marble columns of green and white, topped with an elaborate Pentelic marble architrave. The roof, a brick dome, showcased a unique horizontal brick arrangement, a rare technique for the time. Today, only a portion of the toothed and ornate architrave remains visible.The Monopteros was excavated in 1936 and again in 1951. While its exact purpose remains debated, it offers visitors a glimpse into the Roman era of Athens and the architectural styles that shaped the city. Its location near the Stoa of Attalos makes it an easy stop while exploring the Ancient Agora.

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