The Ancient Agora of Athens

Athens. Mars Hill and Athens from the Acropolis — Photochrom, Library of Congress · no known restrictions on publication

In the Bible

Deeply disturbed to see the city full of idols, Paul reasoned in the synagogue and in the marketplace every day; Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him.

Acts 17:16–18While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day. Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.

Here today

The excavated marketplace with the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos, rebuilt in the 1950s as a museum.

Before you travel, check your country’s travel advice. Opening hours and the rules of the sites change — see their official pages.

Land outlines: Natural Earth (public domain).