Roman Agora Thessaloniki: Ruins of Ancient Marketplace

One of the sights in Thessaloniki, left out in the open free for all to see is the Roman Agora. You will need tickets to enter the forum and the museum. Ancient Agora, Greek Agora, Roman Agora (market place), Ancient Forum – So many names to this Roman Forum!

After a restful night and sumptuous breakfast at Hotel Amalia of Thessaloniki we, foot warriors, set out to conquer the Roman ruins in lens.

Roman Agora Thessaloniki – History

Standing at the edge of this ancient market place I tried to imagine how chaotic this place must have been when constructed and set up in 2nd century AD. And this was laid on foundations of an even older forum dating from early Imperial Times.

This forum definitely held a place of importance then. Today, in the 21st century too the buildings surrounding this heritage site indicate that the place still holds importance for the city of Thessaloniki. It is an ‘old meets the new’ kind of place.

This was where people met to conduct business transactions, like we do in hotels today. This was the venue for government functions, social interactions and theatrical performances.

Roman Agora Thessaloniki Ruins

Roman Agora Thessaloniki Ruins

Remnants of Ancient Agora

Entire complex was arranged around a rectangular paved square. There were porticos on three sides of this Square. Each portico consisted of a double row of columns and provided direct access to a surrounding zone of public buildings.

The southern portico stood on a vaulted substructure called cryptoporticus. It is a double arcade which lay partly underground, making use of the natural slope of the land.

To the south, along the whole of the cryptoporticus, lay a row of shops fronting the ancient shopping street which ran along the north side of present day Philippou St. of Thessaloniki.

Roman Agora Thessaloniki

Odeum of the Forum

Here is a picture of the large Odeum (theatre) on the east side of the Forum. The seating arrangement seemed in good condition. Romans enjoyed musical and theatrical performances and gladiatorial games in this theatre until the 6th century.

Today this theatre has been restored and is occasionally used for concerts. What an experience it must be to sit in one of those seats and watch a performance.

Odeum - theatre - of Roman Agora Thessaloniki

The theater at the Roman Agora

Underground Forum Museum

I guess, out of enthusiasm we were too early. A desperate tourist scaled the short walls and went exploring the place. He definitely got better pictures.

The site could have been easily toured in an hour but it was closed, we could just go around the shut site taking pictures. The underground Forum museum here is worth a visit I have read. Coins, sculptures, glass and golden artifacts retrieved while excavating the area are displayed in this museum. There are beautiful arches, cloisters and well preserved semi subterranean corridors.

Lone Tourist inside the closed site.

Discovery of Roman Forum Thessaloniki

The site was accidentally discovered and excavated in 1966. They stumbled on ancient treasures here. Large number of silver coins, stone and marble sculptures that were found here are displayed in the museum. Only the theater and one lone column too seemed to be in a good condition, rest of the ruins looked scattered beyond recognition.

Roman Agora Thessaloniki Greece

Tips to Tour the Roman Agora

The forum is an open uneven area with little shade. On a hot day it is advisable to have your own water bottle, a hat and sturdy shoes.

Open Timings and Tickets

It is open from 8.30am-4pm (Wed-Mon), with an entry fee of 4 euros. (Please check the tickets charges when you plan.)

Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki Historical Sightseeing
Walk along Thermaic Gulf of Thessaloniki in Sunset Hours

29 Responses to “Roman Agora Thessaloniki: Ruins of Ancient Marketplace

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.