This year, during our September 2025 trip to Greece, we decided to do a self tour of the Roman Forum in Athens. Although we have passed by it several times over the years, and snapped a few photos from the outskirts, this year we decided to see what it was about. All in all this is a nice spot to visit if you enjoy learning more about the history of Athens. It was really fun to see how much more interesting this site was actually walking through it than just looking at it from above.
Location
Located beneath the Acropolis and next to the Agora.
About the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, also known as the Agora, is another marvelous ruin in Athens, Greece. After defeating the Greeks in 146 BC, the Romans saw a need for a new Agora to extend and replace the original one. Although funds from Julius Caesar were promised in 51 BC, the Roman Forum was not complete until 11 BC with additional funds from the Emperor Augustus. Like other Agora’s, this was a marketplace to sell and trade goods, a place for citizens to gather and socialize, and a political and administrative center.
Gate of Athena Archegetis
For those who have wandered through this area of Athens, you can’t miss this spectacular gate made of Pantelic marble. Located on the west side of the Agora, the four remaining columns and also the archway showcase the beautiful architecture from that time. As so many places in the city are, this gateway was also dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Eastern Propylon
This is east of the Roman Forum. Made from gray Hymettian marble this was a four column entrance that led to the Tower of the Winds, Agoranomeion and also the public lavatories. In addition, you could easily connect to Athen’s road system from here.
Agoranomeion
This ruin, is believed to be the office of the market inspector. This columned and arched building once showcased a grand staircase. Being a market inspector at the Roman Forum he held an important job. He oversaw everything in connection to the market running fairly and lawfully. Duties of a market inspector include, making sure all were following fair trade laws, regulate accurate weights and measurements, collect taxes, and prevent fraud. All in all, this public official kept the place honest.
Vespasianae
The Vespasianae was the public latrines and located near the east gate. What is amazing is the public restrooms toilets you could flush with running water. The water was funneled in from Athen’s main water system. The best view of the Vespasianae is actually from outside the fence on the side walk above.
The Roman Forum and Courtyard
The Forum itself was a rectangular consiting of stoas on all four sides of a central courtyard. A stoa is a long hallway, or walkway consiting of columns on each side with a covered portico (porch). The central courtyard was open aired surrounded by shops and commercial buildings. It was the hub of the forum. This is also the gathering area where people would socialize, talk politics, listen to orations, discuss business, and catch the gossip of the day.
Fountain House
The Fountain House was a public building with a stone basin where the people could draw fresh water. It was located via a doorway from the Forum. In addition, from the Fountain House, a short stairway led up to a road which led to the acropolis. People would enjoy socializing here as the came for their water. The fountain drew its water from an aqueduct not far from the building.
Tower of the Winds
The Tower of the Winds is an octagon tower and quite remarkable. Built to tell the weather, time, month and also the seasons, this tower is truly a work of art. You can read more about it on my last post on The Ancient Time keeper by clicking here.
Museum
The museum is held in the Fethiye Mosque which was built in the 17th century.
Conclusion
Although not one of the largest ancient attractions in Greece or Athens, the Roman Forum is a nice site to visit. It showcases a later time in Athens history which of course helps shape the Athens we see today. If you have some extra time while visiting Athens, I would check out the Roman Forum.
Helpful Guides
Each year we have visited Athens we use the following guides and they help a lot.
DK Top 10 Athens Pocket Tour Guide has been a great resource. If you follow me you know I love these DK Top 10 books everywhere I go. This book id noy only well organized, but easy to follow as well and gives brief descriptions of just about everything. Plus it has a small pocket map. You can order through Amazon here.
Rick Steves is another great resource and he has pre-planned itineraries in his tour guide. You can order through Amazon here.
Lastly, pick up an Athens city map at the airport. I have found them located in the baggage claim area. It is a good map and you may very well need it as GPS, to my experience does not work well in the Plaka area
Follow me on Instagram!!!!
You can check also out my other Athens posts by following these links!
The Ancient Timekeeper, Tower of the Winds, Sept 2025
Wheere to Eat in Plaka and Nearby
Where to Eat in Plaka and Nearby
The Panathenaic Stadium, September 2022
Tour the Temple of Poseidon, September 2021
Anafiotika, Athens, Greece, September 2019
Temple of Hephaestus and Ancient Agora, September 2019
Sunrise from Lycabettus Hill, October 2019
Sunrise From Philopappos Hill, September 2019
Arriving in Athens on our Anniversary, September 2019
The Acropolis and Parthenon, October 2018
A Rainy Day in Athens, September 2018
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
Sign up for our Free NEWSLETTER for more travel news, tips and fun.
Discover more from Diary of a Gen-X Traveler
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Nice! I’m glad you finally got to see the Roman Forum in detail during this visit. Lots of formidable ruins that showcase how powerful ancient Greece had been in the past. Thanks for sharing!
It was nice to see!
thanks for the trip back to ancient Greece – looks like a wonderful place to visit!
It was a lot of fun and very interesting! We are still in Greece and visiting more great sites!
👍
Every time I view an ancient ruins like this , I imagine what the ruins of our current gov’t edifices in Washington. D.C. will remain standing centuries from now.
That is something to ponder!