The Roman Agora was the commercial successor to the Ancient (Greek) Agora, built in the 1st century BC when Julius Caesar and Augustus decided that the original Greek square was no longer adequate for the growing imperial population of Athens. The 11,000 m² rectangular complex still preserves its monumental west entrance gate (the Gate of Athena Archegetis, built in 11-9 BC), the foundations of the Roman-era shops, public toilets, and the genuinely remarkable Tower of the Winds, the world’s first fully functional meteorological station, built around 50 BC. Tucked into Plaka, the Roman Agora is one of the most charming and most overlooked archaeological sites in central Athens. This is the complete Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds Athens guide for 2026.
All information was verified for the 2026 season.
What Is the Roman Agora?
The Roman Agora was the central commercial market of Athens during the Roman period, built between 19 and 11 BC with funding from Julius Caesar and Augustus to replace the older Greek Agora as the primary market space (the Greek Agora retained its civic and judicial functions). The complex measures 111 by 98 metres, with a central courtyard surrounded by a Doric colonnade and Ionic shops behind. The site was severely damaged in the 3rd-century-AD Herulian invasion and partially restored by Constantine in the 4th century. During the Ottoman period (1456-1832), the central courtyard housed the Fethiye Mosque, which still stands today.
For broader context, see our Athens Historical Sites pillar, our Ancient Agora guide, and our things to do guide.
Roman Agora 2026 Tickets & Prices
Standard Ticket
€8 full price summer (April-October), €4 winter (November-March). Reduced rate half the standard.
Combined Ticket (Best Value)
The Roman Agora is one of the seven sites covered by the €36 combined Athens archaeological ticket. If you have the combined ticket, the Roman Agora costs nothing additional.
Free Admission Days
March 6, April 18, May 18, September 26-27, October 28, first Sunday of every month November-March.
Opening Hours for 2026
Summer (April-October): Daily 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Winter (November-March): Daily 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Closed: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25-26.
How to Get There
By metro: Monastiraki (green/blue line), 5-minute walk. By foot: 5 minutes from Plaka, 3 minutes from Monastiraki Square, 10 minutes from the Acropolis south entrance. Address: corner of Pelopida and Eolou Streets, Plaka.
The Key Monuments to See
1. Tower of the Winds (Horologion of Andronikos)
The unquestionable star of the site. Built around 50 BC by the Macedonian astronomer Andronikos of Kyrrhos, the 12-metre octagonal marble tower functioned as the world’s first comprehensive meteorological station, combining a sundial (the sundial scales are still visible on each of the eight outer walls), a water clock (the bronze gears inside were powered by water diverted from the nearby Klepsydra spring), a wind vane (a bronze Triton on top of the roof pointed to the prevailing wind), and a weather indicator (eight personified wind figures sculpted in relief on the upper part of each wall depict the eight winds). The interior was restored and reopened to visitors in 2014; you can walk inside.
2. Gate of Athena Archegetis
The monumental west entrance to the Roman Agora, built 11-9 BC with money donated by Julius Caesar and Augustus, with an inscription naming both as benefactors. The Doric columns, the gate’s elaborate pediment, and the Latin inscription are all preserved. This was the entrance most ancient visitors used.
3. The Roman Shops
The foundations and partially-preserved walls of the Roman-era commercial shops that lined the eastern side of the central courtyard. Each shop was a small rectangular room with a doorway opening into the colonnaded portico.
4. The Vespasianae (Roman Public Toilets)
Behind the eastern shops, the surviving Roman-era public toilet complex (named after the emperor Vespasian, who introduced a toilet tax). The communal toilets with their characteristic round holes set in a row are still visible. Public toilets were a significant feature of Roman cities; the Roman Agora’s are among the best-preserved examples in Greece.
5. Fethiye Mosque
The Ottoman-era mosque (Fethiye means “Conqueror’s Mosque”) was built within the Roman Agora courtyard in 1670 to celebrate the Ottoman conquest of Crete. The mosque is no longer active but is well-preserved; the interior is open during cultural events.
6. The Agoranomion (Roman-Era Civic Building)
The 1st-century-AD Roman administrative building near the eastern boundary of the agora. Foundations and a few standing wall sections survive.
The Tower of the Winds in Detail
The Tower of the Winds is one of the most underrated archaeological monuments in Athens and represents the world’s earliest comprehensive meteorological station. The eight-sided design corresponds to the eight winds known to ancient Mediterranean meteorology: north (Boreas, the cold winter wind), northeast (Kaikias), east (Apeliotes, the warm rain-bringing wind), southeast (Euros), south (Notos, the hot summer wind), southwest (Lips), west (Zephyros, the gentle spring wind), and northwest (Skiron). Each wind is depicted as a bearded male figure sculpted in relief on the upper marble band, blowing his characteristic weather toward the city below.
Inside the tower (open to visitors as of 2014), the bronze water-clock mechanism (powered by water diverted from the Klepsydra spring on the Acropolis) drove a hidden indicator that displayed the time on a complex hour scale. The combination of fixed sundial scales (one on each external wall), water-driven hour indicator, and wind vane meant that ancient Athenians could check the time, the day’s likely weather, and the seasonal date all at one glance.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon (4-6 PM in summer, 1-2 PM in winter) gives the most beautiful light angle on the Tower of the Winds. The site is rarely crowded; visit timing matters mainly for personal preference and photography.
How Long to Spend
Allow 30-45 minutes for a focused visit, 60 minutes if you want to thoroughly photograph the Tower of the Winds. The Roman Agora pairs naturally with Hadrian’s Library (next door) and the Ancient Agora (10 minutes’ walk away) for a 2-3 hour Plaka archaeological circuit.
Combining with Other Athens Sites
The Roman Agora is best combined with: Hadrian’s Library (immediately adjacent, separate ticket €6 or included in combined ticket), the Ancient Agora (10 minutes’ walk west via Plaka), and the Acropolis (10 minutes’ walk south). A perfect morning route: Acropolis 8 AM (90 minutes), Ancient Agora 10 AM (90 minutes), Roman Agora 12 PM (45 minutes), Hadrian’s Library 12:45 PM (30 minutes), lunch in Plaka 1:30 PM. Total cost: €36 combined ticket plus lunch.
Photography Tips
The Tower of the Winds is the photographic highlight. Best angles: ground-level looking up the eight-sided tower with the wind reliefs visible; full-body shot from the northwest with the columns and the tower; sunset profile from the west with the Acropolis in the background. The Gate of Athena Archegetis is best photographed from outside the perimeter, looking through the gate into the agora. Hand-held photography permitted everywhere; no flash issues; tripods technically prohibited but rarely enforced.
The Site’s Layered History
The Roman Agora is one of the few central Athens sites where you can see all four major historical periods in one location: Hellenistic (the Tower of the Winds, 50 BC); Roman (the agora itself and the Gate of Athena Archegetis, 1st century BC); Ottoman (the Fethiye Mosque, 1670 AD); and modern (the surrounding Plaka 19th-century buildings). Walking the perimeter takes 30 minutes and shows you 2,100 years of continuous Athenian history.
Accessibility
The Roman Agora is partially wheelchair-accessible. The main entrance ramp leads to a paved central path through the site. Several archaeological areas (the Tower of the Winds exterior, the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the Fethiye Mosque exterior) are reachable. The Roman shops and the Vespasianae public toilets are reached via uneven natural-stone paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roman Agora of Athens?
The Roman Agora was the central commercial market of Athens during the Roman period, built 19-11 BC with funding from Julius Caesar and Augustus. The 11,000 m² complex included shops, public toilets, the Gate of Athena Archegetis entrance, and the spectacular Tower of the Winds.
What is the Tower of the Winds?
The Tower of the Winds is a 12-metre octagonal marble tower built around 50 BC by the astronomer Andronikos of Kyrrhos. It served as the world’s first comprehensive meteorological station, combining a sundial, water clock, wind vane, and weather indicator. The interior is open to visitors.
How much does the Roman Agora cost?
€8 standard summer ticket; €4 winter. Included in the €36 combined Athens archaeological ticket which covers seven sites including the Acropolis.
What are the Roman Agora opening hours?
Summer (April-October): 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Winter (November-March): 8 AM to 3 PM daily. Closed Greek public holidays.
How long does the Roman Agora visit take?
Allow 30-45 minutes for a focused visit, 60 minutes with thorough photography. Combines naturally with Hadrian’s Library and the Ancient Agora for a 2-3 hour Plaka archaeological circuit.
Is the Roman Agora the same as the Ancient Agora?
No. The Ancient (Greek) Agora was built in the 6th century BC and served as the civic, judicial, and original commercial centre of Athens. The Roman Agora was built later (19-11 BC) as a Roman-period commercial successor, when the older Greek Agora became too small for the growing imperial city. The two sites are 10 minutes’ walk apart in central Plaka.
Is the Tower of the Winds open to visitors?
Yes. The interior was restored and reopened in 2014. Visitors can walk inside the octagonal tower and see the floor and walls; the original bronze water-clock mechanism is no longer in place.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more historical sites, see our pillar guide to Athens historical sites and museums, our Acropolis guide, our Ancient Agora guide, our Temple of Olympian Zeus guide, our Kerameikos guide, and our top 25 attractions.