The Stoa of Attalos. The Museum of the Ancient Agora
The Museum of the Ancient Agora of Athens, one of the capital's most important archaeological sites, is housed in the restored building of the Stoa of Attalos. In antiquity, stoas were public buildings, with at least one side supported by columns and open to the outdoors. Stoas are found in sanctuaries, agoras, theaters, and gymnasia. Normally, they served to house commercial activities and as a place for walks, providing shade and cool in the summer and protection from rain and wind in the winter.