Ancient Agora of Athens of Classical Athens

The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice. A large open square, where various public activities took place, was surrounded by administrative buildings and temples. Overlooking the Agora is the best preserved temple in Greece, the Hephaisteion, dedicated to Hephaistos. The Panathenaic Way passed through the Agoora to the Acropolis. Entry to the archaeological site includes the Museum of the Ancient Agora, housed in the restored Stoa of Attalos, which displays the artefacts recovered from excavation in the Agora.