Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ROMAN FORUM & TOWER OF THE WINDS
In the first century AD, the Romans moved Athens' marketplace here from
the old Agora. Smaller than the original, the marble-pillared courtyard was a
grander place to set up shop, and this became the commercial and adminis-
trative centre until the 19th century. Its greatest attraction was the unique
and brilliantly designed Tower of the Winds.
Aiolou and Diogenous,
Monastiraki • 210 324 5220 •
www.culture.gr
• 8am-3pm daily • Times
are subject to change, call ahead to confirm • Adm €2 (students half price),
or included in €12 Acropolis ticket
Google Map
1. TOWER OF THE WINDS
The octagonal tower, built by Syrian astronomer Andronikos Kyrrhestas in 50 BC,
has personifications of the winds on each side. Inside, a water clock was operated by
a stream from the Acropolis.
View photo
2. AGORANOMEION
This two-roomed building was believed, until recently, to be the office of market of-
ficials. Current theories say it may have been part of a cult to Claudius or Nero.
View photo
3. VESPASIANAE (68-SEAT PUBLIC LATRINE)
The pleasantly situated marble facility was housed in a rectangular building with a
courtyard in the middle, and latrines lining all four sides. Proximity wasn't a prob-
lem - latrines were social gathering places.
4. BYZANTINE GRAVE MARKERS
In Byzantine times, when the Tower of the Winds was used as a church, the area
around it was a cemetery. Graves were marked with cylindrical engraved markers,
some quite beautiful. These were later gathered in one place, along with others from
around Athens.
