The Roman Agora is situated on the north side of the Acropolis, a short distance to the east of the Greek Agora. It was built between the 19^th and 11^th century BC. with the donation of Julius Caesar and Augustus. That information we know  from an

inscription on the architrave of the monumental Gate of Athena Archegetis, (Athena the Leader).

After the invasion of the Herculae, (267 AD.), the city of Athens was restricted to the area within the Late Roman fortification wall. The administrative and commercial centre was transferred from the Ancient Agora to the Roman Agora and the Library of Hadrian.

During the Byzantine period and the Turkish  occupation, the area was covered with houses, workshops and churches.

The Roman Agora consists of a large, open-air courtyard surrounded by colonnades on all four sides. On the southern side there was a fountain, while on the eastern side, there were a series of shops. The main entrance was on the west and there was a second entrance, (propylon), on the east, leading up to the public latrines (Vespasianae) and the «Tower of the Winds».

The public latrines were housed in a rectangular building, consisting of an antechamber and a square hall with benches.

The Turkish mosque, («Fethiye Djami»), lies on the north side of the Roman Agora. It was constructed in 1456 AD. on the ruins of an Early Christian Basilica.

Finally, the Agoranomion, is a rectangular building on the east side of the Roman Agora, preserving the façade which used to have three doorways with arched lintels. An inscription found, mentions that the building was dedicated to the Divi Augusti and Athena Archegetis…

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• «The Tower of the Winds»

The Tower of the Winds, (also known as the Horologion of Andronikos of Kyrrhos), is a tall, octagonal building, situated on the east side of the Roman Agora. It was built around 40 century BC. by the famous astronomer Andronikos to be an elaborate water clock, (on the inside), sundial, (on the outside), and weather vane, (on the top). It is made out of pentelic marble, originally topped by a revolving bronze weather vane depicting Triton. 

The nickname «Tower of the Winds» derives from the personifications of the eight winds carved on the eight sides of the buildings. More specifically:

• North: Boreas   Man wearing a heavy cloak, blowing through a twisted shell.
• North East: Kaikias  Man carrying and emptying a shield of small objects.
• East: Apeliotes  Young man holding a cloak full of fruit and grain.
• South East: Euros  Old man wrapped tightly in cloak against the elements.
• South: Notos  Man emptying an urn, producing a shower of water.
• South West:  Lips  Boy pushing the stern of a ship, promising a good wind.
• North West: Skiron  Bearded man with a bronze pot full of ashes & charcoal.

CHURCHES

• «Fethiye Mosque»

The Fethiye Mosque, (also known as the «Victory Mosque»), is situated on the corner  of the Panos and Pelopida streets, close to the Roman Agora. It was built in 1458, after the arrival of Mehmed II Fatih, (the Conqueror), came to Athens.

Today, the mosque is property of the Archaeological Society acting as a storehouse. The building is, also, known as the «Mosque of the Wheat Market», due to its position close to the cereal market during the Ottoman period.

From October 1687 until April 1688, the mosque was converted into a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Dionysius Areopagite.

In 1824, the place was used as School of the Filomoussos Society, while later on was managed by the Greek army.

• «Agia Sotira»

The church of Agia Sotira, (also known as the «Savior of Kottaki»), is situated between the streets of Kydathenaeion and Sotiros. It was named after the Kottakis family, celebrating on the day of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

The original cell of the church dates back to the end of the 10^th century, being one of the earliest Byzantine churches in Athens.

During the Greek War of Independence, Agia Sotira suffered extensive damage, while between the years of 1827 and 1855, it functioned as the parish for the Russian community in Athens… 

• «The Savior of Lykodimos» 

The church of the Savior of Lykodemos, (also known as the Russian church), is situated on the corner of Filellinon street and Amalias avenue. It is one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of the 11^th century, being the parish church of the Russian community in Athens.

It was built around 1031 within the perimeter of the city’s defensive wall. That information we know due to the two inscriptions found on the northern wall of the church. The first mentions the year 1031, while, the second says that Stephanos, (the major donor, died in 1044.

During the Byzantine period and the Ottoman rule, the church was a katholikon, (main church), of a monastery.

The Savior of Lykodimos has suffered a great number of natural disasters and wars, such as the earthquake taking place in 1701.

In 1780, all the additional monastery buildings were destroyed, while in 1827, the church was further damaged by the shells dropped from the Acropolis.

In 1847, the church was purchased by the Russian Government and in 1850, was restored by Tsar Alexander II. The post-Byzantine mural paintings were replaced by paintings of the German artist Ludwig Thiersch, (1825-1909).

Nowadays, the Russian church dominates, still, the area in terms of size and construction quality…

The area of Plaka, (Πλάκα), is one of the most beautiful districts of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. Due to its proximity to the Acropolis, it is known as the «neighborhood of the Gods».The largest street of the area is called Adrianou, dividing it into two parts: the upper level, (Ano Plaka), being located right under the Acropolis and the lower level, (Kato Plaka), situated between Syntagma and Monastiraki.Evey year, Plaka attracts thousands of visitors who walk around the small paved roads with the neoclassical mansions and the traditional tavernas and souvenir shops.The name «Plaka» was not in use until after the Greek War of Independence. Up to then, the Athenians referred to the area by various names, such as Alikokou, Kandili, or by the names of the local churches.

During the Greek War of Independence, Plaka was temporarily by its inhabitants, due to the severe battles taking place.The name Plaka became common during the rule of king Otto. The origin of the name is not certain. Some people believe that it derives from Arvanite Pliak Athena, meaning «Old Athens».Covering an area of no more than 3,5 sq. km., Plaka is a place where you can find everything, from small hotels and loud nightclubs, to jewelry shops and traditional coffee places. If you visit the place during the

summer, do not forget to enjoy a movie at the Cine Paris, the best outdoor movie theatre in Athens, with an outstanding view to the Acropolis.For the older generation of Athens, Plaka holds many special memories. It used to be the area of the working class and several were the movies of the 50’s and 60’s which had been filmed there, for