Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)

Just a few blocks away from Aristotelous square lies the roman heart of the ancient city, the Roman Forum, also known as “Ancient Agora”.

The Forum (Agora) was constructed by the Romans in the late 1st century A.D. Along with the Galerian Palace Complex it was the center of political and public life in Thessaloniki.

The Roman heart of Thessaloniki still beats in the modern center

It was a large open area surrounded by buildings of various functions some of which were elegant, impressive buildings, thus displaying the financial prosperity of the city, especially during the Hellenistic and Roman period of its history because of its growing strategic importance.

Being the social, religious and administrative center of the city, it was connected to all the main streets, like the roman commercial path of Via egnatia to its southern section and of course the city’s main avenue (Decumanus Maximus).

It remained active during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th century AD. During this period the political centre of gravity gradually shifted towards the eastern part of the city along with the new Palatial complex.

Impressive architecture and urban planning

The Forum was beautifully decorated with arches, cloisters and fountains. Inside the agora you will be able to visit the restored ancient amphitheater (Odeion) with its stands and scene, elements and parts of the Corinthian columns that used to form the imposive two-storey porticoes, and well-crafted mosaic floors.

Several shops were located along the ancient trade route that was stretching along the direction of Philip’s St today.

The entire complex was organised around a rectangular paved open area that was used as a meeting or gathering place.

Roman Forum (Ancient Agora) – Highly accurate scale model of the entire Roman Forum that is available for a visit today. Α closer look will reveal the most important elements and parts of the ancient agora

The extremely well preserved “Cryptoporticus” semi – subterranean corridors are of special interest as the Romans constructed them by taking advantage of the ground’s natural slope.

If you follow them untill the end you will discover the Forum’s underground museum! Beautiful artifacts and rare pictures along with some really informative presentations about the city’s historic past await you there.

The archaeological excavations revealed this treasure in 1966, while its findings revealed important topographic and historical information about the city. A large number of silver coins, stone and marble sculptures were also found and are now exhibited in museums.

Restoration efforts started in 1989. The result of these efforts can be seen today in this beautiful, easily accessible archaeological site.

• On the north, you will be able to enjoy your coffee or snack in any of the coffee shops in “Olympou” street, while if you’re on a mood for people watching or a walk by the sea, “Aristotelous Plaza” and “Leoforos Nikis” is just 5 minutes away going south towards the modern Egnatia street.