MONASTIRAKI. At first glance, this jumbled collection of temples and ruins might not seem like much, but the Agora is one of Athens' most historically significant sites. Agora means "market," and in addition to its commercial focus, it was the city's administrative, political, and cultural center for many years. Socrates lectured from the Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios in the northeast corner and drank his lethal cup of hemlock in the southwest corner. The Agora Museum displays a model of how the ancient site looked when complete and offers exhibits about the Agora's role in Athenian life. Be sure, too, to view Byzantine frescoes at the site's Church of Holy Apostles, a sanctuary built in the 11th century for city Christians.

Tue-Sun 8:30am-3pm

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