The origins of the Stoa of Attalos lie in the generosity of King Attalos II of Pergamon, who wished to commemorate his happy time studying philosophy in Athens with a gift to the city. This fine double colonnade is the result. The stoa, or covered walkway, served as a market and meeting place in ancient Greece and the gift of Attalos is one of the most impressive stoae in all Athens. Situated within the Ancient Agora, it was the city’s most prestigious shopping location from around 150 BC until it was destroyed by the Herulians three centuries later.
The two-storied double colonnade originally comprised 42 shops and extends to 115 metres in length. Ancient and modern visitors alike have appreciated the way it is cleverly designed to fan cool breezes through its arches, providing much-needed relief from the heat of the city and the glare of the midday sun.
During the 1950s the stoa was painstakingly restored, using materials similar to the original limestone and marble sourced from quarries in Paraeus and on Mount Penteli. Over 150 master masons and craftsmen incorporated the new materials into the historic remains to recreate the original features of this architectural masterpiece.
Within the stoa you will find the Museum of the Ancient Agora, which takes around an hour to visit. This fascinating museum houses artifacts from ancient Greece as well as coins, sculptures and other treasures from the 4th century BC to the 6th century AD, examples of exotic Byzantine pottery and items of historical interest dating from the Turkish occupation. The compact museum occupies ten of the refurbished shop premises on the first floor. Near the entrance are some impressive sculptures depicting historical and mythological figures, which are worth pausing to admire at the beginning or end of your visit.
The Stoa of Attalos is in the centre of Athens and is easily reached on foot from the Acropolis or by public transport. It is open daily, and entrance is included in the price of admission to the Acropolis.
Stoa of Attalos
Visit Stoa of Attalos
Popular places to visit
Monastiraki Flea Market
4/5(352 reviews)
This lively area of shops, stalls and eateries is a dream come true for lovers of fun, food and fashion.
Ancient Agora of Athens
4.5/5(307 reviews)
Breathe the atmosphere of a bygone age in the historic commercial and social heart of Athens.
Hadrian's Library
4.5/5(8 reviews)
In the ruins of this monument to knowledge, see the notches in marble where papyrus book rolls were once stored.
Roman Agora
4.5/5(192 reviews)
Soak up history in the place where fashionable Greeks came to shop, gossip and discuss the big issues of the day.
Temple of Hephaestos
Step back in time in this remarkably preserved piece of architecture, which has served as a Greek temple, a Christian church and a museum.
Tower of the Winds
See friezes of whimsical wind gods and architectural details way ahead of the time at one of Greece’s best-preserved monuments from ancient times.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Stoa of Attalos
Attalos Hotel
Athinas Street 29, Athens, Attiki
The Stanley
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
Wyndham Grand Athens
2, Megalou Alexandrou St., Athens
Electra Metropolis Athens
15 Mitropoleos Street, Athens, Attiki
Divani Palace Acropolis
19 25 Parthenonos St, Athens, Attiki
Electra Palace Athens
18 - 20 N Nikodimou Street, Athens, Attiki
Athens Gate Hotel
10 Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attiki
Royal Olympic Hotel
28-34 Athanasiou Diakou Str, Athens, Attiki
The Pinnacle Athens
75 Aiolou, Athens, 10551, Greece, Athens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Stoa of Attalos
- Hotels Near Stoa of Attalos, Athens City Centre
- Hotels near popular Athens Attractions
- Choose Your Stoa of Attalos Hotel Style
- Expedia's Latest Trends
Hotels
Club Mahindra MunnarST ResortHotels in Maamigili IslandFourSeasons Hotels in Ras Al KhaimahSpa Hotels in Bangalore City CenterHotel Tea CountyHotel Seven OaksVajra HeritageRiverside Hotels in Phnom PenhArmada HotelHaveli Inn PalHotels in Mayur ViharRipples ResortHiltonHotels Hotels in MetropolisMannat ResortsOYORooms Hotels in BhimtalWedding Hotels in Himachal PradeshGay-Friendly Hotels in Panchkula Urban Estate
Flights
Holidays