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Stoa of Attalos: A Window into Ancient Athenian Life

Explore the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos in Athens, housing the Ancient Agora Museum, and discover artifacts of daily life in ancient Greece.

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The Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed ancient marketplace in Athens' Agora, houses a museum showcasing artifacts of Athenian democracy and daily life. Built by King Attalos II of Pergamon, it offers a glimpse into the heart of ancient Athenian society and culture.

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

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces within the Ancient Agora.
  • Consider purchasing a combination ticket to access multiple archaeological sites in Athens, including the Acropolis, to save money.
  • Check the official website for updated opening hours, as they may vary depending on the season and any special events.
  • Take advantage of the tactile site plans and brochures in Braille available at the information desk for visually impaired visitors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Stoa of Attalos is easily accessible via the Athens Metro. Take either Line 1 or Line 3 to Monastiraki station. From the station, it's a short, approximately 4-minute walk to the Stoa, located on the eastern side of the Ancient Agora. A single metro ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Walking

    From the Acropolis, descend towards the north. The walk to the Stoa of Attalos takes approximately 10-15 minutes, following well-marked paths through the Plaka district. Enter the Ancient Agora through the main entrance. Once inside the Agora, the Stoa of Attalos will be visible on the east side of the complex.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. A taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the Stoa of Attalos typically costs between €5-€8, depending on traffic. The ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the Ancient Agora.

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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 striking reconstruction of a Hellenistic stoa, originally built by King Attalos II of Pergamon between 159 and 138 BC. This impressive two-story structure served as a covered walkway and commercial center, a hub of daily life in ancient Athens. The Stoa was a gift to the city from Attalos, who had studied in Athens and wished to show his appreciation. The Stoa's architecture is a testament to Hellenistic design, with a length of 115 meters and a width of 20 meters. It was constructed using Pentelic marble and limestone and featured a combination of Doric, Ionic, and Pergamene architectural orders. The building had two floors, each with two aisles and 21 rooms along the western wall, which functioned as shops. The Stoa provided a space for merchants, philosophers, and citizens to interact, fostering economic growth and intellectual exchange. The original Stoa was destroyed in 267 AD by the Heruli, a Germanic tribe. However, between 1952 and 1956, the Stoa was meticulously reconstructed by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, with funding from the Rockefeller family. Today, it houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, displaying a collection of artifacts that provide insights into Athenian democracy, culture, and daily life from the Neolithic period to the 6th century AD. Exhibits include sculptures, pottery, coins, inscriptions, and objects of daily use. Highlights include a water clock (klepsydra) used for timing speakers in court and ancient ballot boxes. The Stoa of Attalos stands as a symbol of Athens' rich history and architectural heritage.

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