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Ancient Agora Square: Thessaloniki's Roman Heart

Explore Thessaloniki's Ancient Agora: a journey through Roman history, architecture, and culture in the heart of the city.

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The Ancient Agora Square in Thessaloniki is a captivating historical site that served as the heart of the city during the Roman period. Discovered in the 1960s, this ancient marketplace and forum offers a glimpse into Thessaloniki's vibrant past. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the bustling commercial, political, and social activities that once took place here.

A brief summary to Ancient Agora Square

Local tips

  • Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photos.
  • Purchase a ticket to access the entire complex, including the museum.
  • Take time to imagine life during ancient times while walking around the agora square.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Arch of Galerius and Rotunda.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ancient Agora is located in the city center, north of Aristotelous Square. From Aristotelous Square, walk north towards Egnatia Street. Turn left onto Egnatia Street, then turn right onto Aristotelous Street. Continue walking north; the Agora will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines run near the Ancient Agora. Take any bus that stops on Egnatia Street, such as lines 2, 2A, 8, 10, 11, 11B, 14, 17, 22, 27, 27A, 28B, 31, 37, 78N, 83, 83B, 83M, or 83T. Get off at a stop along Egnatia Street near Aristotelous Street. From there, walk north towards the Agora. A single bus fare costs €0.60.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. You can hail a taxi from the street or find one at a taxi stand. A short taxi ride from Aristotelous Square to the Ancient Agora will cost approximately €5-€7. The initial fare is €1.30, and the rate per kilometer is €0.74 during the daytime.

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Discover more about Ancient Agora Square

The Ancient Agora, also known as the Roman Forum, is located in the heart of Thessaloniki and represents the city's Roman past. Constructed in the late 2nd century AD, it served as the city's central public square and commercial hub. The forum was built on the site of an older agora from the Macedonian period. Excavated in the 1960s during planned construction, the Ancient Agora reveals the urban planning and commercial life of Roman Thessaloniki. The complex features a rectangular, stone-paved square surrounded by public buildings, arcades, and shops. Visitors can explore the remains of the Odeon, a theater used for musical performances and gladiatorial contests, Corinthian columns, Roman baths, and mosaic floors. The Ancient Agora was the center of economic, political, and religious life in the city. It connected to main streets, including the Via Egnatia. The site also contains a cryptoporticus, a double subterranean stoa that once functioned as an ancient shopping mall. A collection of artifacts found on the site is housed in a small museum, providing context for the history of the Agora. Today, the Ancient Agora offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Roman Thessaloniki. The restored Odeon is still used for summer concerts, blending the ancient with the contemporary.

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