Discovering the Agora of Smyrna

This was my first trip to this outdoor archaeological site in the heart of İzmir. With roots in ancient Greece and layered rich in history, the Agora of Smyrna has a lot to offer. Construction started right after the era of Alexander the Great, at the end of the 4th century BC, and continued into the Roman era. Initially, it functioned as a vast marketplace and later took on social, administrative, judicial, and political roles. The archways and columns above, along with terraces and porticos, and the arched ceilings below ground in the cellars, are incredible. The ducted light shafts and flowing underground water fountains add to the site's charm. From the Roman period, a significant amount of tile work still remains. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius contributed the Corinthian colonnade during the Agora's reconstruction after an earthquake. It's unquestionably a must-see for enthusiasts of ancient history. Entry is free if you have a Museum Card, which I had purchased in Istanbul. These cards are quite convenient and are accepted at all public/government museums and galleries throughout Turkey; however, private museums do not accept them. Otherwise, the entrance fee is minimal. Given its proximity to Kemeraltı markets, a popular tourist spot in İzmir, it's certainly worth visiting. About 60 to 90 minutes is usually sufficient to explore. There are plenty of photo opportunities here.

Post by _TI***yx | Oct 27, 2025