Thessaloniki Roman Forum

Location: Egnatia

Located on the northern side of Aristotelous Square, in the heart of Thessaloniki, the Roman Forum is one of the town’s most significant ancient monuments. For over three centuries after its construction at the end of the 2nd century AD, it was the social, administrative, economic, and spiritual center of Thessaloniki.

Erected on the site of a pre-existing Hellenistic agora, it lay at the junction of two major highways: the Via Regia (the present-day Egnatia Street) and a vertical road that probably led from the seafront to the acropolis. It was made up of two monumental squares, one of which remains buried beneath Aristotelous Square. The other one comprises a large rectangular square that used to be paved with blocks of marble, an Odeon and the ground floor of a multi-story cryptoporticus (covered stoa). Archaeological research has also revealed a complex of Hellenistic baths, mosaic floors and an early Christian mural painted inside the stoa.

Entrance to the Forum was possible through an imposing arcade, which was adorned with a magnificent set of sculptures known as Las Incantadas. Though the arcade has not survived to this day, the sculptures have been retrieved and are now on display at the Louvre Museum in France.

Today, the cryptoporticus has been restored and provides access to the Museum of the Roman Forum, found in a specially designed underground hall. There, visitors can find a plethora of material shedding light on the excavation process and the history of the Agora. Moreover, cultural events are often held at the Odeon. Around the Roman Forum, there are also plenty of spots where you can enjoy great drinks or mezes against the backdrop of this impressive open-air monument.