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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, also known as the Roman Forum, is a captivating archaeological site that once served as the city's central public square during Roman times. Discovered in the 1960s, it offers a glimpse into Thessaloniki's rich history and vibrant urban life during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

A brief summary to Ancient Agora Square

Local tips

  • Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site is an open-air archaeological area with uneven surfaces.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Arch of Galerius and Rotunda to see more of Thessaloniki's Roman heritage.
  • Enjoy a coffee or snack at one of the cafes on Olympou Street, overlooking the Agora.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Aristotelous Square, walk north along Aristotelous Street towards Egnatia Street. Turn left onto Egnatia Street, then turn right onto Filippou Street. Walk a few blocks, and the Ancient Agora Square will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several buses stop near the Ancient Agora Square. Check the OASTH website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single bus ticket costs around €1. From the city center, look for buses that travel along Egnatia Street and stop near Filippou Street.

  • 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 Square will cost approximately €4-€6.

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Discover more about Ancient Agora Square

The Ancient Agora Square, or Roman Forum, is located in the heart of Thessaloniki and stands as a testament to the city's importance during the Roman era. Constructed in the late 2nd century AD on the site of an older Macedonian-period forum, the Agora was the center of political, economic, and social life in Thessaloniki. Excavations in the 1960s revealed a large, two-terraced forum complex. The rectangular, stone-paved square, measuring 146m by 97m, was surrounded by stoas (covered walkways) with two-tiered columns, shops, and public buildings. The well-preserved ruins include a restored ancient amphitheater (Odeon), Corinthian columns, Roman baths, and mosaic floors. The Odeon, with a capacity of 2000-2500 people after reconstruction, was used for musical performances and gladiatorial contests. Visitors can explore the cryptoporticus, a double subterranean stoa that once housed shops and served as an ancient shopping mall. The small museum on-site displays artifacts found during the excavations, providing insights into the history of the Agora and Thessaloniki. Until the 19th century, a series of statues of the Muses, known as the Incantadas, adorned the Agora. These statues, which were significant to the city's Sephardic Jewish community, are now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Today, the Ancient Agora Square offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Thessaloniki. The site is surrounded by modern cafes and shops, creating a blend of ancient history and contemporary city life.

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