The Roman Agora is a fascinating historical site located on the north side of the Acropolis and near the Monastiraki metro station. While the Ancient Agora was a place of political gatherings for the Athenians, the Roman Agora was a market and an open market at that. Constructed in the 1st century BC, an inscription informs us that it was built with money from Julius Caesar and Augustus.
The Roman Agora’s main feature is a large, open courtyard surrounded by colonnades on all four sides. On the east side was a row of shops, and on the south side was a fountain. The Wind Tower, an octagonal building used to tell the time and predict the weather, was located to the west of the main entrance. The Roman Agora’s significance is highlighted by its connection to the Library of Hadrian, built nearby during Hadrian’s reign.
Over the centuries, the Roman Agora faced many invasions, including Venetian and Ottoman invasions that destroyed the site. As a result, the area became covered with houses, workshops, churches, and mosques. One such mosque, the Fethiye Mosque, still stands today next to the Roman Forum.
Overall, the Roman Agora is an essential attraction for anyone interested in history, architecture, and marketplaces. Its historical significance as a marketplace, coupled with its connection to the Library of Hadrian and Wind Tower, makes it a must-see attraction in Athens. The site’s proximity to the Ancient Agora and the Monastiraki metro station makes it easy to visit and explore for tourists.
